Sunday, February 8, 2009

Happy Thaipusam!

Thaipusm is one of the most extraordinary religious practices that exists today. The Hindu Indian festival commemorates the birth of Lord Subramaniam (the youngest son of the Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati). There is a legend behind the festival which you can read up.

But the photos below are of individuals who are conducting the kavadi which is a physical burden (no, kidding!) that worshippers perform to ask help from the God Subramaniam.

These photos actually show real piercings. The worshippers during the festival do not seem to show any semblance of pain and they dance around in a trance.

It was simply amazing to have been so close to the worshipers. This was truly an incredible event to witness!

I took these photos in Little India. Be sure to click on the photo to see a close up!

















































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