Extreme Devotion: Thaipusam in Penang

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February 11th 2006

Published: March 14th 2006

February 6th - 12th 2006 We have decided to try a new approach to our blog. We will update the things we have been doing recently as well as updating things from the past couple of months that we haven’t gotten to. A word of caution, some of these pictures are pretty graphic! Phil and I just got back from an amazing morning at the Thaipusam festival; I don’t think you can get any more cu... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 78, Displayed: 21

A devotee starting the piercing ritual; being put into a trance.

Piercing II

After the trance he is laid on his stomach for the back hooks to go in. I think the red powder is ash (colored red).

Piercing III

Western doctors have studied the phenomenon of devotees not bleeding from the hooks. They think the ash may help stop the bleeding, though they really cannot explain it.

Piercing IV

They had to put a surprising amount of force into piercing the back.

Piercing V

After the back is finished they insert the vel, or lance, a symbol of Lord Murugan defeating the evil demons.

One of my favorite parts of this festival; everyone was so colorfully dressed.

Crazy dancer

This guy had really crazy eyes, but I couldn't get a picture of them.

Crazy dancer II

Crazy dancer III

Smoking something....

15th February 2006

deleted_12605
deleted_12605

Great Photo's
Loved your photo's and blog. I am off to Penang and Singapore next month. Cheers Linda www.penangtravelforum.com

3rd March 2006

Hari
non-member comment

Sensational
great coverage of the hindu festival..... we never get to see all this in Australia... Will definitely visit penang this april 2006..... cheers HARI (Melbourne)

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Extreme Devotion: Thaipusam in Penang

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