To know more about legends of Thai Poosam , check this link :
http://hindutradition.blogspot.com/2009/01/thai-poosam.html
Thai Poosam is the Hindu festival , celebrated in the Tamil month "Thai", on the day of the star "Poosam " and on the full moon day . The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Muruga and the occassion when Parvati gave him a Vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Tharakasuran. In the year 2010 , the festival falls on 30th of january.
Celebrations in Various places :
- In Tamil nadu , Palani Temple : Thousand of devotees flock to this temple and take Kavadi.
- In Kerala , Vaikom Udayanapuram Subramanya temple , devotees take Panchamirtha kavadi , Paal Kavadi , Bhasma kaavadi. In Karamana , Satyavageeswara temple , the Utsava moorthu is taken in procession. There is Nel Parai alappu or Nel alavu , as a ritual performaed for good luck and prosperity.
- Thai Poosam festival is conducted in grand manner in Srilanka , Singapore , Mauritius and Malaysia.
Ps : I am unbale to find the details about Nel parai alappu or Nel alavu . If anyone of you know the details , please do share with me .
