Friday 22 January 2027, a Penang public holiday. Two chariots, a 513-step hilltop temple, and three days of devotion across George Town.
Thaipusam 2027 is on Friday 22 January, a public holiday in Penang. That makes a long weekend.
Thaipusam honours Lord Murugan on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai. Penang celebrates it over three days: on the eve, a golden chariot and a silver chariot leave Little India at dawn and cross George Town to the Waterfall temples. On Thaipusam day, devotees carry kavadi and milk pots up the steps of the hilltop temple. The day after, the chariots come home.
If you only have one day, go on the eve to see the chariots, or on Thaipusam day at the hilltop temple for the kavadi.
Stay in George Town for Thaipusam. Dates are filled in; change them.
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Thaipusam 2027 jatuh pada hari Jumaat, 22 Januari 2027, cuti umum negeri Pulau Pinang. Kereta kencana emas dan perak bertolak dari Little India, George Town pada awal pagi Khamis, 21 Januari, menuju ke kuil di kawasan Air Terjun.
தைப்பூசம் 2027: ஜனவரி 22. பினாங்கில் பொது விடுமுறை. தங்க ரதமும் வெள்ளி ரதமும் ஜனவரி 21 அதிகாலை ஜார்ஜ் டவுனிலிருந்து புறப்படும்.
Penang’s Thaipusam starts the day before and ends the day after.
Eve · Thu 21 January
At dawn the golden and silver chariots set off from Little India. They spend the whole day crossing George Town, stopping for offerings and coconut smashing, and reach the Waterfall temples late at night.
Thaipusam · Fri 22 January
The main day. Devotees carry kavadi and milk pots (paal kudam) up the hilltop temple steps to fulfil vows. Some carry hooks and skewers. The Waterfall area is packed from early morning.
Day after · Sat 23 January
The chariots make the return journey to Little India, with more offerings along the way. Calmer than the eve, and a second chance to see them.
Both leave Little India on the eve and take different routes to the Waterfall area.
From: Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Lebuh Queen (Little India)
To: Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple, Jalan Kebun Bunga
Carries Lord Murugan’s golden vel (spear) and is pulled by devotees. Run by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board since 2017. It has left around 6am in recent years.
From: Nagarathar Kovil Veedu, Lebuh Penang (Little India)
To: Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, Waterfall Road
Carries the statue of Lord Murugan and is pulled by bulls, as it has been for generations. It has left about an hour after the golden chariot in recent years.
As reported in 2023, the golden chariot went from Lebuh Queen through Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Gat Jalan Prangin, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Utama to Jalan Kebun Bunga. The full procession covers about 8 km and takes most of the day. Routes can change: check the organisers’ announcement in January.
Pick one spot per day. Getting between them through the crowds is slow.
Lebuh Queen and Lebuh Penang
See the chariots blessed and set off. Crowds gather from before dawn along Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Penang.
Directions in Google MapsJalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Utama
The chariots stop every few metres to receive offerings. Devotees smash coconuts in their path. Pick a spot in the shade and let the procession come to you.
Directions in Google MapsJalan Kebun Bunga, Waterfall area
Kavadi and milk-pot bearers climb about 513 steps to fulfil their vows. A separate staircase is used for going down. Busiest from early morning into the night.
Directions in Google Maps
Decorated frames carried on the shoulders, some fixed to the body with hooks and skewers, as thanks or a vow. Do not touch them or step into their path.
Many devotees carry milk pots (paal kudam) up the hill. Along the chariot route, people smash coconuts in front of the chariots to clear obstacles.
The Penang Hindu Endowments Board expected more than a million devotees in 2026. Roads near the route and the Waterfall area close. Walk, or take a Grab and get dropped short.
Cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at temples, no flash near devotees in trance, and ask before close-up photos. Bring water: it is hot and the queue for the steps is long.
Stay in George Town’s heritage zone to walk to the chariot departures at dawn. The long weekend fills rooms early.
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Thaipusam 2027 is on Friday 22 January, and it is a public holiday in Penang. That makes a long weekend. In Penang the celebration runs over three days: the chariots leave George Town at dawn on Thursday 21 January and return on Saturday 23 January. In 2028, Thaipusam is expected on 9 February; estimates differ until the official holiday list is published.
Yes. Thaipusam is a state public holiday in Penang, as it is in several other states. Schools, banks and government offices close.
In recent years the golden chariot has left Sri Mahamariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen around 6am on the eve of Thaipusam, and the silver chariot has left the Kovil Veedu on Lebuh Penang about an hour later. They reach the Waterfall temples late that night. The organisers confirm times and routes each January.
About 513. Counts vary slightly by source. On Thaipusam day there is a separate staircase down, so the climb runs one way.
The Penang Hindu Endowments Board expected more than a million devotees for Thaipusam 2026. Expect road closures around the route and the Waterfall area, and leave the car behind.
Yes, everyone is welcome to watch. Cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at temples, keep out of the path of kavadi bearers, do not touch them, and ask before close-up photos.
Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur draws the biggest single crowd. Penang’s draw is its two chariot processions through the heritage streets of George Town and the climb to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, with Penang’s public holiday making it a long trip worth planning.
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