[PHOTOS] Thaipusam 2015: 19 Highlights Of Inspiring Moments And Dedicated Devotees
This year's Thaipusam that was held on 3 February was filled with public processions, devotees carrying kavadis, vel skewers piercing their bodies and more. Here are some of the highlights from the celebrations.
Cover image via www.imkiran.com1. More than a million devotees and tourists made way their way to the shrine in the Batu Caves temple to pay their offerings to Lord Murugan
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2. The Lord Murugan statue at Batu Caves looked just as grandiose during nightfall…
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3. …as it did during the sunny, bright days
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4. Photojournalist, Kiran Kreer was also at the festivity and captured these stunningly moving acts of devotion by these two men
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5. As well as shared with us the intimate moments that took place before that
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6. A 64-year-old Australian, Carl Vadivella Belle won over the locals' hearts with his dedication when he joined the Hindu celebration
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7. The Thaipusam celebration also saw fellow Penangites taking part in the traditional Hindu rituals, proving that race and religion is no barrier in true 1Malaysia spirit!
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8. The smashing of coconuts as a symbol of breaking of one's ego, the coconut water defining purity and cleansing of the soul
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9. Devotees were seen carrying pots of milk, one of the various types of kavadi (burdens)
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10. While other kavadi carriers have hooks placed on their skin with different variation of fruits attached
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11. Adults and children alike shaved their head on this day to show their gratitude and devotion to Lord Murugan
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12. Which resulted in these oddly satisfying photos of the aftermath at the shaving booth
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13. Many devotees have their cheeks pierced through…
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14. …whereas some have some multiple mortification of the flesh at one time
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15. Vibrant and beautifully decorated kavadis were also present at the festivity
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16. The sight of devotees being covered in piercings is not uncommon on this day
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17. We're equally impressed yet amazed by these men's piercings on their backs
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