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Saturday, January 26, 2008

[[ தைப்பூசம் - The young, the old, and everyone in between ]]

Just sharing my take on Thaipusam this year. First time attending such a rich and interesting event, definitely looking forward to next year's.

Thaipusam, Singapore-style is one festival that can give you goosebumps. No where else will you see people piercing themselves with so many types of sharp objects. It's claimed that devotees are able to enter a trance, feel no pain, do not bleed from their wounds and have no scars left behind.

It's extremely spectacular, but a little overwhelming if you have a weak stomach. For me, it's a fascinating festival to watch. So fascinating that I didn't realise I had taken more than 200 shots! And of course, here I am to share it within the blogosphere.

**WARNING - Pictures I took may be disturbing to some,but I'm sure,still enthralling enough for others.

Along the streets, only men carry the alagu kavadi- a tall metal framework colourfully decorated with peacock feathers and symbols of Lord Murugan and other deities.

Some devotees carry the kavadi to express their gratitude to the Lord for curing them of ailments, others beseech him to accept their penance and help them attain their goals. There're a myriad reasons why devotees carry kavadis. Women and young children don't do this. Instead, they carry milk pots.

The different types of kavadis (burdens):

- Sengali (chain)

- Silambu (spikes)

- Ratham (traditional chariot)

- Paal (wooden structure with milk pots attached to the sides)

- Kudam (pot)

Leather straps with bells are added to the ankles of some devotees. I tried looking closely, but couldn't see if there were needles beneath the straps.

below: Fashioned slippers with protruding nails

In Hindu worship, lime symbolises protection by the deities.

The Young Ones

Thumbs-up for the law enforcement in keeping things under control.

Beatings of the Thavil (drums) and chantings of the human voice kept devotees going. They walked many kilometres from the Sri Srinivasa Temple (Serangoon Road) all the way to the Murugan Temple (Tank Road). This procession begins just after midnight and continues throughout the day and into the evening.

And because it's many kilometres - barefooted - there were those who nearly collapsed. Nevertheless, they would quickly recover, showing how determined they were into fulfilling their duty. It's believed to be bad omen should one fail to accomplish this procession.

Shiny plates dazzle when a devotee dances, spins and skips.

Labels: Singapore, Thaipusam 2008, தைப்பூசம்

| 8:16 PM |
This is not the end.
This is not even the beginning of the end.
It is, instead, the end of the beginning..
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