Thaipusam: A Shocking Hindu Religious Festival

Thaipusam – a religious Hindu festival celebrated by 25 million Tamils in Malaysia – will shock, awe and inspire you. It is a one-of-a-kind demonstration of faith, endurance, and devotion. Millions turn up to pay homage to the highly revered deity, Lord Murugan, during the festival. Thaipusam celebrates the very essence of Lord Murugan (the God of War) – his vitality, valor and beauty- and the triumph of good over evil.

Some come to reaffirm their faith; others to honor personal vows – fulfilling a promise for wishes granted, whether it was the birth of a baby or the healing of a sick loved one. On Thaipusam day, they embark on a pilgrimage from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves temple, some 13 kilometers away carrying their – ‘physical burdens’- or kavadi.

Kavadi often take the form of pots of milk balanced on devotees’ heads. For more severe penance (or thanksgiving) a decorated portable altar is more appropriate. The altars – some weighing as much as a hundred kilograms – are attached to the carrier’s body through 108 vels (spears) pierced into the skin on their chest and back. Devotees fall into a trance-like state before they make this devotional journey. Saffron-clad priests pray and chant with each one; clasping the devotee’s head in their hands before sending them into a trance.

At the Batu Caves temple, the crowd starts to swell early on, breaking into a rapturous devotion of songs, dances, chants, and prayers. The energy intensifies as the crowd welcomes the procession, forming a protective barrier around the kavadi bearers who make the arduous climb up 272 steps to the Batu Caves temple, lugging their attached kavadi the entire way. In the temple, priests sprinkle consecrate ash over the hooks and spears still piercing people’s flesh before the kavadis are finally removed. The devotees are brought out of their trance, their vows now fulfilled.

This public event brings millions of devotees and visitors together. Visitors can actively participate in the procession to the Batu Caves temple, walking alongside kavadi bearers. Or more adventurous visitors can carry kavadis themselves and receive blessings from priests at the temple.

Milk pots can be obtained on the spot at the Batu Caves temple while more elaborate kavadis need to be preordered (one month in advance). Most simply come to encourage, support, and cheer on the devotees. The Thaipusam festival takes place in the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in late January or early February.

Images: williamcho/Flickr