Thaipusam in Malaysia
A Hindu festival of devotion honouring Lord Murugan.
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated with extraordinary acts of devotion. In Malaysia the largest gathering takes place at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, where devotees carry ornate kavadi and milk pots up the 272 steps to the temple.
It is observed as a public holiday in several states with significant Hindu communities, including Selangor, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
When is Thaipusam?
| Year | Date | Observed in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sun, 1 February 2026 | Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor | |
| 2027 | Fri, 22 January 2027 | Johor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor | |
| 2028 | Sun, 13 February 2028 | Johor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor |
Planning around Thaipusam
Thaipusam is observed in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor. If you are planning travel or annual leave, check the dates above for 2026 and the following years, because the weekday changes each year and determines whether the holiday creates a natural long weekend.
Within the years listed, Thaipusam falls next to a weekend in at least one year, so taking one or two days of annual leave can stretch your break further. See our long-weekend pages for the best leave suggestions in each state.