Friday, January 08, 2010

That's Too Bulky! - PH

PhotoHunt theme : Bulky


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*










First Commenter -

43 comments:

  1. ouch ouch! especially the sandals! ouch ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, 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!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i'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!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How interesting to read about this - never heard of this celebration you know - so thanks for sharing!

    Happy Weekend to you dear blog friend :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is not only bulky right? It is very pianful too. :( Ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ouchie! not for me too! nice post ECL, something new for me to see.

    Happy weekend dear!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ooooouch! Bulky to be sure but the first word that sprang to my mind upon seeing the photos was "painful"! ;b

    ReplyDelete
  9. Guess there is no pain for these kavadi carriers that are in trance. Its a grand affair here in Penang every Thaipusam.

    ReplyDelete
  10. OOUCH!! Hurts to even look.
    These people deserves admiration for the endurance and strong faith!

    ReplyDelete
  11. definitely carrying the kavadi involves a spiritual dimension otherwise how to endure the hardship

    ReplyDelete
  12. EEk. That looks painful. Good post for this theme ECL.
    Happy weekend to you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. thaipusam 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.

    ReplyDelete
  14. i couldn't bear the thought of sharp skewers pierching into my flesh. i'll die instantly.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Not 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 !

    ReplyDelete
  16. they are bulky indeed! i can just imagine the weight!

    Happy weekend! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good grief! Definitely one for the devoted ECL! Have a great weekend

    ReplyDelete
  18. That's unbelievable how they are able to do that. Great choice for the theme. Happy weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hmm... that sandal looks good for foot reflexology. LOL!

    http://crizcats.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. goodness, those really look painfully fatal. hope the guy's alright. Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very good Photo Hunt!

    A 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!

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  23. It 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..

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ewww! The sandal looks good if only are no nails! :D

    Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  25. No thanx, I'll just watch. Great take on the theme! I love all the different ways people can approach it.
    Drop by and see mine here.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ouch ouch ouch! What a great take on the theme!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Do people actually wear those sandals? Ouchie!

    ReplyDelete
  28. don't dare to see further....looks too painful!

    ReplyDelete
  29. oh gosh, this looks scary enough through photographs. i bet many are feeling the chill just by watching him. what amazing spirit he had!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Not 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!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great 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.

    ReplyDelete