A devotee carrying a bulky kavadi
My first time getting so close to the kavadi-bearers during the celebration of Thaipusam which is observed on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai (Jan - Feb) to make offerings to Lord Muruga.
The main participants carry beautifully decorated kavadis which are bulky and literally hooked to their bare bodies. It is a display of belief that transcends pain. The devotees go on a 4-kilometre trek with their loved ones and friends who would be chanting prayers and singing joyously beside them.
tens of sharp metal skewers are pierced into the flesh
Bulky sandals of nails
Not for me...... *ouch! ouch! ouch!* *shivers*
PhotoHunt
photohuntFirst Commenter -
Thaipusam will be here soon again!
ReplyDeleteouch ouch! especially the sandals! ouch ouch!
ReplyDeleteThaipusam is just around the corner...
ReplyDeleteNice sandal. NOT!!! :D
ReplyDeleteOh, my! Wow! How is it possible for one to tolerate such pain? I flip out when I get as much as a pebble in my shoe!
ReplyDeletei've seen this in Nat Geo channel and it's fascinating. but can't help but squirm watching a man pierce his cheek with a skewer. unbelievable faith!
ReplyDeletethis is not cup of tea as well.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to read about this - never heard of this celebration you know - so thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend to you dear blog friend :-)
wowwww. I've seen this in documentaries; but you are right there. wowwwww.. did you touch the sandals to see if they were sharply pointed ? you must tell us more about the experience and the holiday please.
ReplyDeleteThat is not only bulky right? It is very pianful too. :( Ouch!
ReplyDeleteouchie! not for me too! nice post ECL, something new for me to see.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend dear!
Ooooouch! Bulky to be sure but the first word that sprang to my mind upon seeing the photos was "painful"! ;b
ReplyDeleteGuess there is no pain for these kavadi carriers that are in trance. Its a grand affair here in Penang every Thaipusam.
ReplyDeleteOOUCH!! Hurts to even look.
ReplyDeleteThese people deserves admiration for the endurance and strong faith!
definitely carrying the kavadi involves a spiritual dimension otherwise how to endure the hardship
ReplyDeleteEEk. That looks painful. Good post for this theme ECL.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you.
I will pass on the sandals, ecl!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pain! Huhuhuhu!
ReplyDeletethaipusam is celebrated on a grand scale in Kl and Penang. as the festive approaches, the road to the temple is normally painted with floral designs.
ReplyDeletei couldn't bear the thought of sharp skewers pierching into my flesh. i'll die instantly.
ReplyDeleteindeed bulky n prickly!
ReplyDeleteNot for me either ! It's strange that in all believes (not to talk about religions) there are always a bunch of masochists. I don't remember in which country it was but there people whipped themselves and put themselves on crosses, crazy !
ReplyDeletethey are bulky indeed! i can just imagine the weight!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend! :)
Not for me too. ;p
ReplyDeleteHappy Tiger Year!
Good grief! Definitely one for the devoted ECL! Have a great weekend
ReplyDeleteThat's unbelievable how they are able to do that. Great choice for the theme. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteHmm... that sandal looks good for foot reflexology. LOL!
ReplyDeletehttp://crizcats.blogspot.com/
goodness, those really look painfully fatal. hope the guy's alright. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteOuch! I'll pass on trying them out.
ReplyDeleteVery good Photo Hunt!
ReplyDeleteA very bulky situation, for the body and the soul. :( Jesus suffered and rose again for our sakes, to spare us pain in trying to please Him. Are there many Christians in your area?
I'm glad you didn't try on the sandal!
And I feel like its a sacrafice to get up early on Sunday and go to Church instead of sleeping in!! They don't even expect me to walk on one nail!!! Goodness! Fascinating that people do this though!
ReplyDeleteIt always a amazes me another power of the mind over matter during Thaipusam. So mystical on the powers of Lord Murugan where by that very same person on a normal day cannot even stand a single prick of merely one needle. Vel Vel..
ReplyDeleteEwww! The sandal looks good if only are no nails! :D
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
No thanx, I'll just watch. Great take on the theme! I love all the different ways people can approach it.
ReplyDeleteDrop by and see mine here.
OMG! I have never seen this. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteOuch ouch ouch! What a great take on the theme!
ReplyDeleteDo people actually wear those sandals? Ouchie!
ReplyDeletedon't dare to see further....looks too painful!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh, this looks scary enough through photographs. i bet many are feeling the chill just by watching him. what amazing spirit he had!
ReplyDeleteNot only they are bulky, they are scary! imagine having poked by a needle is already painful, what more with so many skewers on the body!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for photo hunter. That certainly looks very bulky. It is amazing how they can withstand all that. It is amazing how powerful faith can be.
ReplyDeleteOuch! Ouch! Ouch! from me too! : )
ReplyDeletethat certainly feels heavy, and painful as well!
ReplyDeletekenwooi.com