Thaipusam Day 2026, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

Thaipusam Day 2026 dates, Thaipusam Day celebrations, school holidays and public holidays, signify that Thaipusam Day is a very important Hindu festival celebrated annually around the world during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February), usually on the full moon and is widely celebrated by the Hindu community in Malaysia.

Thaipusam is celebrated to honor and show devotees' gratitude to Lord Murugan through acts of deep devotion and physical endurance.

Thaipusam is one of the most exciting Hindu religious festivals in Malaysia, attracting millions of Hindu devotees every year to sacred sites such as Batu Caves, Penang, Ipoh, Sungai Petani, Kuala Lumpur and so on.

Apart from Hindus, the celebration also attracts visitors consisting of Malaysians and tourists to witness the uniqueness of the Thaipusam Day celebration.

Thaipusam Day Date 2026

Announcement of Official Dates for Thaipusam 2026 Holiday

Following references from several sources regarding the 2026 federal and state public holiday schedule, Thaipusam Day will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

February 1, 2026 (Sunday) – Thaipusam Day (Johor, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya)

School Holidays in Conjunction with Thaipusam Day Public Holiday 2026

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the Thaipusam holidays based on their school group in 2026. These dates will help students, parents, and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

1 February 2026 (Sunday) – Regular school day on that day. No additional holidays

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

1 February 2026 (Sunday) – School holiday in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya only

The dates listed above are from various sources and are for initial reference only. Please check this page from time to time for the latest updates on public holidays in 2026 after the official announcement by the cabinet and the Ministry of Education.

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the 2026 Thaipusam celebration. You can check the official MOE portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Thaipusam Day Celebration in Malaysia

Thaipusam Day is a very important Hindu festival celebrated annually around the world during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February), usually on the full moon and is widely celebrated by the Hindu community in Malaysia.

The word “Thaipusam” combines the name of the month “Thai” and the star “Pusam”—which is at its highest point during the full moon on that day.

Thaipusam is celebrated to honor and show devotees' gratitude to Lord Murugan through acts of deep devotion and physical endurance.

Thaipusam is also a time for devotees to express gratitude, repent for past mistakes, and seek blessings through acts of devotion and repentance.

Thaipusam is one of the most exciting Hindu religious festivals in Malaysia, attracting millions of Hindus every year to holy sites such as Batu Caves, Penang, Ipoh, Sungai Petani, Kuala Lumpur and so on. Apart from Hindus, the celebration also attracts visitors from Malaysians and tourists to witness the uniqueness of the Thaipusam Day celebrations.

Devotees fulfill sacred vows made to Lord Murugan.

Many fulfill their vows by carrying paal kudam (milk pots), undergoing body piercings, or carrying ornate kavadi structures, representing discipline of mind over body and spiritual purity.

Many male and male devotees shave their heads as part of fulfilling their vows.

Devotees carry ornate kavadi structures—often attached to their bodies with hooks—as an act of penance and devotion.

Women, children and elderly devotees carry pots of milk to offer to Lord Murugan, symbolizing purity and humility. The completion of the religious event is also accompanied by a festive atmosphere with traditional music and visitors dressed in colorful costumes.

A few days before Thaipusam, a silver and gold chariot carrying Lord Murugan is paraded through the city streets, attracting thousands of spectators and devotees.

Many devotees fast or adopt a vegetarian diet for several weeks before the festival as part of their spiritual preparation.

Thaipusam Day Dates by Year

2025 February 13 Thursday
2026 February 1 Sunday
2027 January 21 Thursday

The date changes every year based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Some of the main places for Thaipusam celebrations in Malaysia are at sacred sites such as Batu Caves (Selangor), Bukit Air Terjun Temple (Penang), and Kallumalai Temple (Ipoh) as well as several other temples throughout the country.

Here are some famous locations for Thaipusam celebrations:

Batu Caves, Selangor: This temple is the main and most famous attraction, with thousands of Hindu devotees gathering for religious processions and ceremonies. Batu Caves becomes the center of the festivities, with over a million devotees climbing the 272 steps to the main temple.

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang : The temple is also an important venue for the Thaipusam festival in Penang, attracting many Hindu devotees to fulfill vows and pray.

Sri Subramaniar Temple, Ipoh, Perak: The Thaipusam celebration in Ipoh is also lively, with kavadi processions and religious ceremonies at this temple.

Sri Subramaniar Temple, Sungai Petani, Kedah: This temple is also the location for the Thaipusam festival in Kedah, with a lively celebration.

Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, Kuala Lumpur : The silver “Çhariot” will move from one temple to another, and this is also an interesting place to watch the procession.

Outside of these main locations, Thaipusam is also celebrated at other Hindu temples across the country, such as in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak.

Devotees and visitors can enjoy the Festival Food offered by individuals and volunteer organizations. Many temples offer free vegetarian food (annadhanam) to all attendees, regardless of religion or background.

Thaipusam offers a rare example of spiritual devotion and the human capacity for discipline, endurance, and faith. The festival reinforces the identity and heritage of the Malaysian Hindu community.

Despite its religious roots, Thaipusam brings together Malaysians from all walks of life—celebrating the shared values of perseverance, commitment and peace.

Every year, millions of Hindus embark on a profound spiritual journey during Thaipusam in Malaysia, with the most important celebration held at the iconic Batu Caves in Selangor.

This festival not only symbolizes the faith and sacrifice of Hindus, but also serves as a testament to the cultural diversity and harmony we enjoy in our beloved country. The unity and spirit of goodwill displayed by Malaysia's diverse society is one of the special features of our country.