Thaipoosam தைப்பூசம், is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February).

The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam (Tamil word for Pushya; Malayalam word - Pooyam). This particular star is at its highest point during the festival.
The festival commemorates the occasion when Mother Parvati gave her son Murugan a Vel "spear" so that he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.

(The location is supposedly, a hillock between Poomparai (Aadi Pazhani) and Pazhani (Then Pazhani), (both abodes of Muruga established by Sidhar Bhogar) and a Temple of Mahalakshmi stands there today).

‘Devasenathipathi’ as Lord Muruga is called is Adhipathi (commander) of Deva Sena (Army of Devas).
It also means Pathi (Husband) of Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the God of Deva Loka.

According to one tradition, during one of the battles between the Asuras (or to be more specific Soorapadman) and the Devas, the latter were defeated several times by the former.
The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva.
Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti.
He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to recognise that day the people created the festival, Thaipusam.

According to Skanda Puranam, the legend of Murugan, and Thirupugal which are divine verses on Murugan, Murugan is the embodiment of Shiva's light and wisdom and devotees pray to him to overcome the obstacles they face, as He is the divine vanquisher of evil.

The motive of Thaipusam festival is to pray to God to receive his grace so that bad traits which is inherent in every human mind are destroyed and the balance of good and evil prevails.
The Kanda Shasti Kavacham recital is the tool.

The Kavadi Attam ("Burden Dance", is the ceremonial sacrifice and offering performed by devotees during the worship of Murugan. This supreme expression of devotion and surrender to the higher force is exalted by the mystical dance.

Kavadi (Kavu Thadi or Kaaval Thadi) is a pole carried on the shoulders with offerings for a temple commonly with some parade
Kavadi is also the religious mendicant's pole which he takes from house to house to gather offeringsfor the service of an idol

kavadi ("burden") itself is a physical burden, the bearing of which is used by the devotee to implore Murugan for assistance, usually on behalf of a loved one who is in need of healing, or as a means of balancing a spiritual debt.

It is often performed during the festival of Thaipusam and emphasises debt bondage. The Kavadi itself is a offering of anything humble through which the devotees implore for help from Murugan.

Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for 48 days before Thaipusam.
Kavadi-bearers observe celibacy, satvik food and deep introspection through the mandala period that coincides with the the Mandala Vrita for Murugan’s brother Ayyappa.

There are similarities to Kavadi and Irumudi, both carry offerings to the lord, performed for the welfare of others.

On the day carrying various types of kavadi’s. At its simplest, this may entail carrying a pot of milk, sandal, flowers etc (Paal Kavadi,
sandanakavadi, pushpakavadi,
Sarpakavadi)
mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common.

Thai Pusam signifies the manifestation of divine to protect Dharma;

To show that ‘Surrender’ is the greatest form of strength;

To show that no physical burden or sacrifice rooted in Dharma (righteousness) goes in vain and is protection in itself;

To show that evil, however mighty (Soora), would be subdued;

To Show that no burden (kavadi) insurmountable when in total
surrender to the supreme force…

To show that Mother is the greatest source of ‘Empowerment’…

Happy Thai Pusam