By The Diary desk · Last verified 11 October 2026
Thaipusam 2027 is expected to fall on Friday 22 January 2027, the date set by the Hindu calendar and already listed for the same time zone in Malaysia. It is not a public holiday in Singapore, so plan leave if you want the whole day. Devotees, many carrying kavadis or milk pots, walk in procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, a route of about 4km. In 2026 the procession began at 11.30pm on the eve and continued through the day. Spectators are welcome: stand well back, never touch a devotee or kavadi, and ask before taking close-up photographs. The Hindu Endowments Board will publish the official 2027 timings on thaipusam.sg.
Thaipusam is a festival of thanksgiving and devotion to Lord Murugan, and watching it with care is a privilege. Here is what to expect and how to be a good guest.
Quick facts
- Expected date: Friday 22 January 2027; confirm on thaipusam.sg.
- Public holiday: no.
- Start: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, 397 Serangoon Road.
- End: Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Tank Road.
- Distance: about 4km.
- Official information: the Hindu Endowments Board’s thaipusam.sg, which says 2027 preparations are under way.
The timings: what happened in 2026
The 2027 schedule had not been published as of October 2026. The 2026 pattern, when Thaipusam fell on Sunday 1 February, gives a good guide:
| When (2026) | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Eve, 5am | Silver Chariot procession sets off | Sri Thendayuthapani Temple |
| Eve, 6.30am | Chariot stops | Sri Mariamman Temple, South Bridge Road |
| Eve, 7.30am | Chariot arrives | Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple, Keong Saik Road |
| Eve, 5pm–9pm | Chariot returns via Cecil Street, Chin Swee Road and High Street | Back to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple |
| Eve, 11.30pm | Main foot procession begins | Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple |
| Thaipusam, 12.05am | Destination temple opens to devotees | Sri Thendayuthapani Temple |
| Thaipusam, about 7am–10pm | Musicians along the route | Along the procession |
Where to watch
- Near the start: Serangoon Road around Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, nearest Farrer Park MRT. Busy and atmospheric before dawn.
- Along the way: pick a spot on the pavement and stay put; moving with the crowd is harder.
- Near the end: around Tank Road, close to Fort Canning and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations.
- Best time: early morning, when it is cooler and the crowds are thinner.
Roads along the route are closed or partly closed on the day. LTA publishes the closures shortly before the festival, so check before driving or taking a bus near Serangoon Road or the city centre.
Etiquette for spectators
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Stand back and leave the path clear | Step into the procession or cross through it |
| Ask before close-up photos of a devotee | Use flash in a devotee’s face |
| Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees | Touch a devotee, a kavadi or a milk pot |
| Offer water or encouragement only if invited | Make jokes or loud remarks about the piercings |
| Remove shoes before entering a temple | Bring alcohol or meat into the temple areas |
The WahLiao Verdict
Pencil in Friday 22 January 2027, but wait for the Hindu Endowments Board to confirm the timings. If you can, take the morning off, travel by MRT to Farrer Park before 7am, find a spot on Serangoon Road and simply watch with respect. Keep your camera low, your voice soft and the path clear. It is one of the most moving sights in Singapore’s calendar.
Questions people ask
Is Thaipusam a public holiday in Singapore?
No. It is not on MOM’s list of gazetted public holidays.
When is Thaipusam 2027?
Expected on Friday 22 January 2027. The Hindu Endowments Board confirms the official date and timings on thaipusam.sg.
Can non-Hindus watch the procession?
Yes. Spectators of every background are welcome, as long as they stay respectful and keep the path clear.
Can I take photos?
Wide shots from the pavement are fine; ask before close-ups and never use flash in a devotee’s face.
Sources: Hindu Endowments Board, Thaipusam official site and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple; Ministry of Manpower, public holidays; Office Holidays, Thaipusam 2027 date in Malaysia; HoneyKids Asia, 2026 route and timings. The Diary explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Singapore Festivals 2027: The Calendar From Thaipusam to Christmas · Little India on Foot: Serangoon Road, Tekka Centre and the Temples · Back to The Diary
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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