Penang Thaipusam 2010

Thaipusam is a celebration by the Hindus which usually falls during the month of January and February. It is celebrated in conjunction with the birthday of Lord Murugan (youngest son of Lord Siva) and his wife, Parvati.




It was a myth that there were big battles between the Azuras and the Devas. The Devas were defeated and seeked the help from Lord Siva. Their help was granted with a creation of a mighty warrior, Lord Murugan and finally, he defeated Sooradpadme, who was the meanest and most powerful of Azuras. Now, the Hindus celebrate Thaipusam to worship Lord Murugan and the power of good over evil.

In Malaysia, Thaipusam is vastly celebrated in Batu Caves Selangor and in Penang. The offering by the devotees to Lord Murugan can be ranging from carrying a kavadi with all the piercing around the body and tongue to the simpliest way of carrying a pot of milk. It is believed that the greater the pain, the greater the merit earned from the god.




This year, Thaipusam Penang was held on 29-31 January along the Waterfall road. The whole street was filled with devotees in colourful tradisional outfit. Many booths can be seen along the road selling various clothings, souvenirs etc.

Devotees queuing up to get the free flow of food and drinks along the Waterfall road.

Elephant God

Kavadi consist of two semicircular wood attached to cross structure and balanced by the devotee shoulder. It is usually decorated with flowers, peacock feathers and weigh about 30kg.













Another type of Kavadi is by piercing hooks on the back skin of the devotee and pulled by another person.





I managed to capture one successful dancing shot of this Kavadi bearer.

It was quite scary to look at all the hooks piercing through the skin of the devotee. The skin looked as if it was going to be pulled off anytime soon.




There were various age groups performed such a torturious offering. This old man looked quite exhausted. Besides the vel pierced through his cheek, he was also carrying many milk pots as an expression of thanksgiving and devotion.



These Kavadi bearers were covering his entire body with small milk pots.

Others, covering their body with lemons and limes. I cannot imagine how painful it is when the juice from the fruits entering the pierced skin.



Some close up shots of the Kavadi lemon and lime devotee. The well decorated fruits around his body had caught the attention of many visitors.

You could see many non Hindus too participated in this Penang Thaipusam religious celebration.



The devotee entered into trance mode and felt no pain when vel pierced into his tongue. Amazingly, the tongue did not bleed and he was so clam.

Another Kavadi devotee with chains surrounding his body....



Milk offering devotees ...



This Kavadi devotee got a blessing when he visited one of the temple along the Waterfall road in Penang.

In conjunction with the Visit Penang 2010, this annual Thaipusam celebration had attracted many local and foreign visitors to Penang. Personally, despite the hot day, the celebration had exposed me with a better undertanding of the Hindus belief and culture. For those who has yet to witness such a beautiful celebration, remember to do so next year.

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