Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). According to Wikipedia, it is a festival commemoration of when Parvati gave Murugan a spear to vanquish the demon Soorapadman.
In Singapore, there is a 4.5 km procession Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Devotees walk the procession carrying pots of milk as offerings or attaching kavadis and spikes pierced into their bodies. Participants prepare for the procession for 48 days prior.
Scott and the kids and I went to a part of the procession route to see a little piece of this religious holiday. We were awed by the devotion and endurance of those participating. We saw all ages participating. It was a hot day today. We found a shady spot close to an ice cream cart and we watched. We saw small children and elderly people in the procession. We watched for about an hour. The procession goes for 12 hours.
Below are some of my pictures. Please be aware that they show body piercings and other mortification of the flesh.
The hooks in this man's back are attached to a rope and he is pulling the trailer behind him.
This man has constant tension being applied to the hooks in his back by the man holding his ropes. He is also blindfolded.
This man posed for me.
