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The island state of Singapore is inhabited mainly by the indigenous Malay population. However the state also comprises of a substantial percentage of Chinese immigrants and Indian and Arab minorities. The presence of so many cultures has given Singapore a unique culture which is very tolerant and cosmopolitan in the truest sense of the term. Thaipusam in Singapore is celebrated by the Hindu community. This festival is however celebrated in countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka and in the southern part of India as well. Festival Thaipusam in Singapore is observed to commemorate the devotion of Idumban. A devotee of Lord Subramaniam, Idumban was instructed by a divine messenger to climb up the hill to pay homage to his Lord. Idumban climbed up the hill singing hymns in praise of Lord Subramanium in order to relieve himself of the weight of offerings. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Subramanium showered his blessings on Idumban. Thus the festival marks the unflinching belief of Idumban to the Lord Subramanium. It is believed, that any devotee who would carry a Kavadi on his way to the shrine will be similarly blessed by the Lord. The preparation for the trek to the shrine begins a month earlier. A devotee willing to undertake such journey must remain on a vegetarian diet. Apart from that, austerities should also be observed to prove the dedication of a devotee to the cause. The Kavadi is of prime importance in this festival as each devotee is required to carry it all the way to the shrine. The journey kicks off from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and covering approximately 3 kilometers stretch, ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road. On reaching the shrine, the devotees empty pots of milk on the trident of their deity. The ritual three day fasting marks the end of Thaipusam in Singapore.
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