Thaipusam this year will be observed on Jan 17, the Hindu Endowments Board announced Saturday.

The procession of the Hindu festival's devotees beginning at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road will commence from 12.05am that day and devotees will walk the 4.5km route to conclude their vows at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple along Tank Road.

Thaipusam is an occasion for Hindus to give thanks for their blessings. Due to ongoing redevelopment around Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, new entry and leaving times have been stipulated for spike kavadis and chariot kavadis at the temples this year.

All devotees participating in the festival must leave the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple before 6pm on Thaipusam day and arrive at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple by 11pm to comply with the conditions set by the police, said the board.

Free 'spike piercing' services will be offered, and those planning to fulfil their vows to shave their heads will need to be present at the Teochew Building next to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on the following dates and times:

- Jan 13 to Jan 15, from 7.30am to 11.30am and 4.00pm to 8.00pm

- Jan 16 to Jan 17, from 7.30am to 11.00am

- Jan 17, from 7.30am to 11.30am and 4.00pm to 8.00pm (for children only)

The board said there will be a silver chariot procession of Lord Sri Thendayuthapani departing the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at 5am the day on Jan 16, the day before Thaipusam.

Mr S Iswaran, Minister in Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Home Affairs, will be visiting both temples during the festival.

For more enquiries on Thaipusam, please contact the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at 62985771 or Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at 67379393.