| One of the most unique and shocking festivals of the | | | | It is a spectacular sight. A neon lit midway and Ferris |
| world takes place in Malaysia during the month of | | | | wheel are set up at the base of the high cliffs. |
| January. Kuala Lumpur hosts the largest gathering of | | | | Vendors line the path of the procession as thousands |
| people celebrating the Hindu Festival known as | | | | of people make their way to the steps of the Batu |
| Thaipusam. This is a must see event for anyone that | | | | Cave. The modern lights are a strange contrast to |
| is visiting the country at that time of year. | | | | the ancient ceremony. Drums beat as people chant |
| Over a million people make a pilgrimage to the Batu | | | | Vel Vel in the never ending chain of bodies. |
| Caves just outside of the city. For three days, | | | | The celebration continues through to the next day |
| worshipers pay tribute to the Lord by having spike's | | | | and worshipers are committed as ever, but the |
| driven through their cheeks and tongues, inserting | | | | intense sun makes the task seem more impossible. |
| hooks into their flesh and carrying offerings up 272 | | | | Some succumb to the heat and collapse under the |
| steps to the Cave's massive chamber. Some people | | | | weight of their Kevadi. Others sway in a daze as |
| carry Kevadi's, giant cages made of steal. Decorated | | | | friends try to soothe their pierced cheeks by pouring |
| with vibrant ribbons and peacock feathers it takes | | | | water over their heads. Miraculously however, very |
| four men to lift it onto the shoulders of the brave | | | | few people seem to be in pain or discomfort. |
| soul who dares to take on such a feat. Others have | | | | Once they make their way up the slow climb they |
| large hooks stuck into their backs attached to a | | | | find relief in the cool caves. Monkeys fight for |
| chariot that they drag along, or have a person pulling | | | | bananas overhead, as people have their hooks |
| on the reigns to add to the burden. The greater the | | | | removed one by one. Priests stuff hot ash into their |
| pain, the better chance of having their prayers | | | | wounds and not a drop of blood spills from the body. |
| answered. | | | | In a roped off area, each person awakes from their |
| People take part in Thaipusam for different reasons. | | | | trance. Some people faint, some people wail and |
| To give thanks for a miracle that has happened in | | | | scream, while others remain silent and still. Their |
| their lives, to ask for a wish to be granted or to | | | | ordeal is over and burdens are lifted. The cave is |
| seek penance for past sins. Worshippers prepare for | | | | now quiet and calm, a contrast to the enormous |
| their ordeal by fasting, meditating and abstaining from | | | | energy and excitement of outside. It seems odd to |
| worldly pleasures. It is an astonishing sight but | | | | watch people talking casually and laughing with each |
| amazing to see the dedication and concentration that | | | | other after witnessing such a shocking event. |
| it takes to survive this ordeal. | | | | The festival has come to an end and the only thing |
| The festival begins in Chinatown in the heart of Kuala | | | | left is the long procession back to Kuala Lumpur |
| Lumpur. Starting at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, | | | | where the Silver Chariot will return to it's home until |
| thousands of people begin their procession at | | | | next years ceremony. People will resume their lives |
| midnight. The long snake of people would walk for 15 | | | | as bankers or students, fathers and sisters feeling |
| km behind the Silver Chariot carrying the idol of Lord | | | | cleansed of their sins, released of their burdens and |
| Murugan before their arrival at the base of the Batu | | | | grateful for the opportunity to thank their Lord for a |
| Caves. | | | | wish that he has granted. |