Thaipusam

Thaipusam is kept by Tamil Hindus on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, honouring the god Murugan. It is a public holiday in parts of Malaysia, where hundreds of thousands climb to the temple at Batu Caves, and it is also kept in Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and at Palani and other temples in Tamil Nadu. Devotees carry offerings, from pots of milk to the kavadi, a decorated frame borne on the shoulders. As a vow, some pierce their cheeks, tongue or skin with the vel, a small spear that is Murugan's emblem. Many also wear holy ash on the forehead.

Guides tied to Thaipusam

Cheek piercingSome devotees pierce the cheeks with a velVibhutiHoly ash worn on the forehead