For many Hindus, Thaipusam is the celebration of good fortune through displays of self-sacrifice. Like the Catholic celebration of Lent, Hindus are encouraged to abstain. But many Hindus go further with spectacular feats of public masochism such as fire walking and piercings with hooks and spears (called vels), a practice that's banned in India. So the traditions of Thaipusam have managed to survive in Malaysia and is an experience I didn't want my friends from the US to miss. The day of Thaipusam changes from year to year depending on the constellations. In 2005, it fell in a season after the rains. I almost regretted braving the sun's heat at the Temple of Lord Murugam at the Batu Caves since we could have participated in the previous night's celebrations to which many of our friends went. But along with Chinese New Year, Thaipusam is the most dazzling festival in Malaysia. So whether it was day or night, it was something I was glad I didn't miss. Here are the 25 photos I took that day along with descriptions of the events.
