Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is a significant Hindu festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April) on the full moon day. In Singapore, this sacred occasion is observed mainly by Tamils as a time to fulfil vows, perform penance and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.  In these aspects, Panguni Uthiram shares similarities with Thaipusam. The event also commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Murugan and his consort, Deivanai.

The Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniar Temple in Yishun serves as the main venue for this festival; however, special prayers are also conducted at other temples. Devotees demonstrate their faith by carrying elaborate kavadis (decorated wooden or metal structures), pulling chariots hooked to their backs, and offering milk pots. The procession follows a 1.2 km route within Yishun Industrial Park A, where the temple is located.

The festival's history at this temple dates back to 1967, when it was situated at the naval base. The temple priest, Sivasamy Pandaram, inaugurated the celebration with six devotees carrying kavadis. The festival has grown substantially over the years, now featuring nearly 300 devotees carrying spike kavadis and more than 2,000 bearing paal kudams (milk pots). Each year,Panguni Uthiram attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 devotees, including many who travel from Malaysia across the nearby Woodlands checkpoint.

Traditional Tamil celebrations of Panguni Uthiram also include ritual bathing, fasting, and specific prayers dedicated to Lord Murugan. Many devotees observe strict dietary restrictions in the weeks leading up to the festival, adhering to a vegetarian diet to purify both body and mind. The celebration is marked by vibrant temple decorations, religious music, and the recitation of sacred hymns, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere for both participants and observers.



For More Information 
Kaur, Amrita. “Coronavirus: Hindu Chariot and Foot Procession Here Cancelled.” The Straits Times, 15 March 2020. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-hindu-chariot-and-foot-procession-here-cancelled. 
“Marking Panguni Uthiram Festival on a Smaller Scale.” The Straits Times, 29 March 2021. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/marking-panguni-uthiram-festival-on-a-smaller-scale. 
“A Lesser-Known Hindu Festival with a Kavadi Procession: Panguni Uthiram.” The Long and Winding Road, 20 March 2011. https://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/a-lesser-known-hindu-festival-with-a-kavadi-procession-panguni-uthiram/. 

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.