Musicians Information

The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Thaipusam: Music as Devotion and Celebration

Music is central to Thaipusam, shaping its atmosphere and spiritual energy.

All bhajan and urumi groups are encouraged to prepare with discipline, humility and respect for the sacred environment.

Registration & Wristbands

Urumi Melam groups must register their interest.
Wristband and instrument tagging collection will take place from Mid Jan 2026, 6:00pm–9:00pm at the HEB Office.
All performers must wear their wristbands during the procession and all instruments must remain tagged at all times.
Briefing will be on 17 December 2025 at PGP Hall, Level 3 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Music may be played from 7:00am to 10:30pm along the procession route.
All Bhajan and Urumi Melam groups must register before performing.
Only registered Urumi Melam groups may play along the route.
No Urumi Melam is permitted inside Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (STT) and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (SSPT).
Western instruments are not allowed.

To preserve the purity of sound and ensure balance throughout the route:

Handheld devotional instruments such as jalra, ganjira, and kartal are permitted.
Up to four traditional percussion instruments (e.g. Thavil, Dhol, Khol) may be used per group.
Only two portable amplifiers are allowed.
Amplifiers and instruments must be tagged during registration.
Speakers larger than palm size are not allowed.
Piped-in devotional music may be played only at water points.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (SSPT)

Allowed to be played from 8:00am – 5:00pm.
No Urumi Melam inside the temple.
Only selected groups will be rostered to perform.
SSPT will not be responsible for loss or damage to instruments.
Groups that do not adhere to these conditions will not be invited for future Thaipusams.

Music Along the Procession Route

Devotees carrying kavadi may arrange their own musicians to perform either along the procession route or at the designated live music points.
To maintain harmony and balance, music should only be played within the procession route and the approved areas only.

Live Music Points:

Thavil and Nadaswaram musicians will be stationed at Hastings Road for kavadi bearers who have not arranged their own musicians.

Thaipusam 2026

This is an official page of Thaipusam Singapore.