S Panchanathan Stores
In this article4 parts
Quick answer
Thai Poosam falls in the Tamil month of Thai on the day of the Poosam star and honours Lord Murugan. At home, families offer milk, panchamirtham, flowers and lamps; many carry paal kudam (milk pots) or kavadi to Murugan temples.
- Panchamirtham: banana, jaggery or sugar candy, ghee, honey and cardamom.
- Colours: many wear yellow or saffron.
- This year’s date is on our Thai Poosam page.
Pooja items for home
Thai Poosam at home3 of 6 on our site
- Milk for abhishekam1 litreIn the shop
- Ghee, honey, cardamomsmall packsIn the shop
- Bananas, flowers, betel leavesfresh
How to make panchamirtham
- Step 1Mash the bananas
Mash 4 ripe hill bananas (or any ripe banana) in a clean bowl.
- Step 2Sweeten
Add ½ cup powdered jaggery or sugar candy and mix until dissolved.
- Step 3Finish
Stir in 2 tablespoons ghee, 2 tablespoons honey and a pinch of cardamom. Some add chopped dates.
Paal kudam or kavadi?
Paal kudammilk pot
or- A pot of milk carried on the head
- Offered to Murugan at the temple
- Common for families and first-timers
Kavadidecorated arch
- Carried on the shoulders as a vow
- Often after weeks of fasting
- Palani is the best-known destination
Questions people ask
What is offered to Murugan on Thai Poosam?
Milk, panchamirtham, fruits, flowers, and lamps; many also offer paal kudam or kavadi.
How long does panchamirtham keep?
Make it fresh on the day. Without preservatives it keeps a day in the fridge.
Do people fast for Thai Poosam?
Many devotees fast or eat simple vegetarian food in the weeks before, especially those carrying kavadi.
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