Yesterday my friends Lily, Katrin and I embarked on a spiritual journey for Thaipusam. We joined the devotees with our offerings of Paal Kudam (pots of milk) Kavadi for Lord Muruga, dancing up the steps to Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple, botanical gardens, Penang
Thaipusam is a hindu festival celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai when the star Pusam is at it’s highest point. The festival commemorates the ocassion when the Goddess of Love Parvati gave Lord Murugam, god of war, a divine Vel Spear to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
The Hindu believers on this day carry offerings called Kavadi in different forms. Some women carry big Pots of milk on top of their heads, but mostly the men spear themselves all over their body and hook offerings on their body such as coconuts, some pull charriots, walk on sharp needle shoes. It is an amazing sight to see and intensely spiritual. The pilgrimage starts from one temple to another on top of a small hill.
The celebrations in Penang is the largest outside of India. If you ever travel here, you have to go and experience this.
To learn more about Thaipusam click the link below
https://www.facebook.com/PenangThaipusam
BulanLifestyle.com 
February 4, 2015 at 18:10
Haha i’m glad you pointed that out. I didn’t think anyone could imagine my sketch actually on a body like that. It blows my mind everytime I see it. Im not sure if you can see from the photos but there are 3 guys pulling a massive float with hooks on their back.
February 4, 2015 at 18:07
Thaipusam is one of the best festivals in Penang. You will not see this anywhere else on this scale. It’s an important Hindu festival. Def put it in your dairy!
February 4, 2015 at 16:50
Oh that first photo! I never would have imagined that there would be so many pots, after seeing your sketch. I was thinking two or three maybe, not hundreds. They are worn like clothing, there are so many. wow. Thank you so much for the photos, all of them. There are so many extraordinary sights I can’t even think of what to say. Just, wow. 🙂
February 4, 2015 at 16:24
Wow, this is just the type of festival I would enjoy ~ great happiness, and I like the lighting as well so it’d be fun to photograph 🙂 Penang is such a active place…and next year Thaipusam is on my list!
February 4, 2015 at 15:52
Thank you. This festival is really unique!