Thaipusam 2027

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival honouring Lord Murugan, marked in Malaysia by a mass pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple near Kuala Lumpur. In 2027 it falls on January 22. Devotees carry milk pots and elaborate 'kavadi' frames, some pierced with skewers as acts of penance, then climb the 272 steps to the hilltop cave shrine. Held on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, it draws well over a million people.

Thaipusam centres on the Batu Caves, on the northern edge of Kuala Lumpur. Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), around 45 minutes south of the city. Take the KLIA Ekspres train to KL Sentral, then change onto the KTM Komuter line to Batu Caves station, which sits right at the foot of the 272-step staircase and temple complex. Trains run frequently but get extremely crowded on the festival days, so travel early. Grab and taxis are an easy alternative from central KL, though expect heavy congestion and road closures near the caves during the procession.