The Amazing Festival of Thaipusam

If you happen to find yourself in Malaysia in January, make sure to stick around for the amazing Hindu Festival, Thaipusam. People travel from all over the world to Kuala Lumpur to pay homage to the Lord Murugan. It is certainly an event that is not to be missed.

Thaipusam takes place at the sacred Batu Caves located near the city. 1.5 Million people travel to Kuala Lumper to worship. This is not your everyday prayer festival however, these devotees pierce their flesh with spikes and sharp hooks. They weigh the hooks with fruit to add to the pain and sometimes pull heavy chariots by using only the hooks in their backs with the reigns attached. Some people are less extreme and choose to carry offerings of milk upon their heads while others pack on more weight by carrying heavy cages on their shoulders known as Kevadi’s. It is a spectacle for all to see.

People take part in Thaipusam for different reasons. To give thanks for a miracle that has happened in their lives, to ask for a wish to be granted or to seek penance for past sins. Worshippers prepare for their ordeal by fasting, meditating and abstaining from worldly pleasures. It is an astonishing sight but amazing to see the dedication and concentration that it takes to survive this ordeal.

The festival begins in Chinatown in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Starting at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, thousands of people begin their procession at midnight. The long snake of people would walk for 15 km behind the Silver Chariot carrying the idol of Lord Murugan before their arrival at the base of the Batu Caves.

Once you reach the caves, which can be accessed by local bus, it is like stepping into another world. The energy is wild as people bathe and cleanse preparing to meet the priest and be put into their proper frame of mind to finish their ordeal. The caves ominously loom overhead yet the mood is light and there is even an amusement park complete with rides and neon lighting.

All night the never ending procession continues and it feels like a dream watching people go by in their trance like states. As the sun comes up, the heat rises and you can see the ordeal that it takes on the faces of some. The cages are heavy and the spikes and hooks are many, but most people remain focused and relaxed as they walk through the crowd.

The journey comes to an end inside the Batu Caves. After escaping the masses of people and heat of outside, it is a welcome relief to be inside the cooler chamber. The long climb up the steep steps is difficult, but now their spikes and hooks can be removed after their final offering is given.

It is here that you will witness a transformation right in front of your eyes. It is almost unbelievable to see people have spikes and hooks removed with very little bloodshed. Nobody seems in pain and once the priest releases them from their trance, they are calm and relaxed. It is amazing to witness such an event.

The festival has come to an end and the only thing left is the long procession back to Kuala Lumpur where the Silver Chariot will return to it’s home until next years ceremony. People will resume their lives as bankers or students, fathers and sisters feeling cleansed of their sins, released of their burdens and grateful for the opportunity to thank their Lord for a wish that he has granted.

Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure travel couple from Canada. They have Check outed over 30 countries on 5 continents. Every new adventure takes them to remote corners of the earth where they paddle hike and trek their way around the world. Check out their website http://tinyurl.com/qwl97h for great tips, advice and information on travel and adventure locations. To see their photo gallery check out picturetheplanet.com