THAIPUSAM

Hindu religious festival - Penang, Malasyia

Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar and is normally held during the last week of January or the beginning of February. During this celebration a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then sixty Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukotttal Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road.

The tradition of breaking coconuts is carried out the day before to cleanse the roads for the devine journey. The devotees then go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as an act of penance.

Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drum and devotional songs are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple devotees will fulfill thier vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required.