Thaipusam

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Hindu festival that occurs once a year here in Singapore called Thaipusam.  An annual festival that takes place on the full moon of the first month, it includes Hindu devotee's who are seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and/or offering thanks.  Those who choose to participate begin preparing themselves a month before thru abstinance from any worldly pleasures while maintaining a strict vegetarian diet.  They believe that this show of faith will help them not feel pain while undergoing this sacred commitment.

 Before they begin the day of, they prepare themselves by completing certain rituals.

They often carry a spiked Kavadis which is actually pierced thru their skin.  This is usually very elaborately decorated with significant symbols.  They also pierce their body with things that are sacred in their religion or symbols of their gods.  They then leave one Hindu temple and begin a 4.5K walk ending at another Hindu Temple.  They are surrounded by family and friends who encourage and support them.  These supporters were often singing or chanting as they walk along side.

Most had a spears pierced thru their cheek and tongue.

Not all carried a Kavadis (wire cage like thing) - some carried jugs of milk or had them pierced thru their backs. An offering to the gods when they reached the temple. In the short time we were there, we witnessed various ways the participants expressed their faith and devotion thru this symbolic act.

It was hard to watch for too long - there were some in clear distress and pain. Dallin was the only one in the family interested enough to go with me and get a glimpse of this Hindu festival and tradition. It so interesting to me to learn of these religionsand beliefs and witness others sacred rituals and public acts of faith.