Photo blog: Thaipusam infused with kindness

Photo blog: Thaipusam infused with kindness

This year’s Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple in Johor Bahru saw various double sacrifices including blood donations alongside the helping and feeding of the poor.

A majesty: Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple Johor Bahru

Devotees during Thaipusam prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through 48-day prayer and fasting prior to Thaipusam.

Kavadi-bearers normally perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of carrying the kavadi and making an offering it to Murugan.

The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and consume vegetarian food, once a day, while continuously delving in the spiritual realm.

On the day of the festival, devotees shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi (burdens).

At its simplest a kavadi may entail carrying a pot of milk, but piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is commonly observed as well.

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This year’s Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple in Johor Bahru saw various double sacrifices including blood donations alongside the helping and feeding of the poor.

The cacophony of drummer boys
A firm shake: Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman visits the Thaipusam devotees
Offertory
A devotee solemnly fulfilling his vows

 

Pierce of hope
Life-saving donation

 

A gesture worth remembering
A sacrifice worth making
Tender steps of the spiritual young
For the young and old alike

 

A promise kept

 

Completion of a sacred journey
Witnessed by a massive crowd

Vijay Kumar