Thaipusam;A Must See When Visiting Malaysia
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.
Over a million people make a pilgrimage to the Batu Caves just outside of the city. For three days, worshippers pay tribute to the Lord by having spike’s driven through their cheeks and tongues, inserting hooks into their flesh and carrying offerings up 272 steps to the Cave’s massive chamber. Some people carry Kevadi’s, giant cages made of steal. Decorated with vibrant ribbons and peacock feathers. It takes four men to lift it onto the shoulders of the brave soul who dares to take on such a feat. Others have large hooks stuck into their backs attached to a chariot that they drag along, or have a person pulling on the reigns to add to the burden. The greater the pain, the better chance of having their prayers answered.
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.
The celebration continues through to the next day and worshippers are committed as ever, but the intense sun makes the task seem more impossible. Some succumb to the heat and collapse under the weight of their Kevadi. Others sway in a daze as friends try to soothe their pierced cheeks by pouring water over their heads. Miraculously however, very few people seem to be in pain or discomfort.
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.
In a roped off area, each person awakes from their trance. Some people faint, some people wail and scream, while others remain silent and still. Their ordeal is over and burdens are lifted. The cave is now quiet and calm, a contrast to the enormous energy and excitement of outside. It seems odd to watch people talking casually and laughing with each other after witnessing such a shocking event.
All that is left is the procession back to Kuala Lumpur where all will be put away for another year. This years devotees can go home knowing that they achieved and incredible human accomplishment.
Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an travel travel couple from Canada. They have Check outed over 30 countries on 5 continents. Each new travel 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 more tips, advice and information on travel and travel locations. To see their photo gallery check out picturetheplanet.com
