January 25th: Thaipusam

On Sunday, January 25th I was able to observe the Hindu festival of Thaipusam which is now only celebrated in a few places in the world, the largest celebration occurring in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fair warning this festival is one of physical burden and thus some images are graphic. I learned about this festival only days before its occurrence and went with an open mind. What I saw when I arrived to the procession was eyeopening. The following are a few pictures from the festival, I have done a bit of research on the festival however I am by no means an expert. 

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamil community during the full moon either in January or February each year. The festival is for people to pray to God and receive his grace either paying tribute to thank Him after something good has happened or paying tribute in hopes that they, or their family, can achieve something in the coming year. 

Devotees carry a Kavadi which is a form of physical burden that shows their devotion to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of War.  Kavadis differ greatly and range from large, elaborate towers weighing up to 70 kilograms to jugs of milk carried atop one's head. Other Kavadis include hooks in the back being pulled by someone, lemons and/ or mini milk jugs attached via hooks, and chariots pulled behind devotees. This man is not only carrying a large tower but he is also pulling a chariot behind him and has little jugs of milk attached to his legs.

This is another form of Kavadi which is more graphic. Each Kavadi is a physical burden and thus elicits pain from the devotee by piercing the skin in several places. One thing that amazed me is that you do not see blood anywhere. Each devotee's skin is pierced in several places however it is said that Lord Murugan protects the body and thus devotees never bleed which also re-energizes their faith. 

The devotees prepare for Thaipusam 48 days in advance through a special regime: vegetarian diet, no alcohol or drugs, abstinence from all sexual desires, showering in cold water, sleeping on the floor and also constant praying. The procession is from one temple to another, about 7 miles although it typically takes several hours to complete the journey due to the massive burden they are carrying.

The devotees walk barefoot as a sign of respect although
this, to me seems like another exercise in devotion as they
walk for endless hours barefoot on the burning hot pavement. 

The procession all leads up to the devotee pouring
the milk he carries (here in a small jug in his hand)
over Lord Murugan's Vel (Spear). I did not witness
this part of the festival as I did not want to intrude.

Most devotees have a spear through their mouth as another act of devotion

Here you can see a few people carrying silver jugs of milk on their head. 

There is such an amazing variety of cultures and religions here in Singapore that I never imagined. I am so lucky to be able to witness such different cultural traditions. I was constantly in awe of the devotion these people have. This was a day I will never forget.