[PHOTOS] Thaipusam celebrations make grand post-pandemic comeback
Hindu devotees throng streets with iconic silver chariot procession
Updated 1 year ago · Published on 06 Feb 2023 10:00AM
Devotees carry milk pots, paying homage to Lord Murugan on Thaipusam. Lord Murugan is the son of the Goddess Parvati, who gave him a divine spear or ‘Vel’ to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and restore prosperity and well-being to humanity. Thaipusam, which is celebrated in the month of Thai or the 10th month in the Tamil calendar, commemorates this event. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023
by Abd Razak Latif
KUALA LUMPUR – Thaipusam celebrations were back yesterday throughout the country on a grand scale after two years of muted celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The festivities’ central feature was the iconic silver chariot procession through the streets, accompanied by Hindu devotees, as well as the carrying of kavadi and offerings of “paal kudam” (milk) to pay homage to Lord Murugan.
The carrying of kavadi with piercings and hooks on the body symbolises devotees’ faithfulness to Lord Murugan. Yellow is an important colour in this festival as it symbolises the Hindu deity, and is worn by many devotees on this day.
Lord Murugan is the son of the Goddess Parvati, who gave him a divine spear or “Vel” to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and restore prosperity and well-being to humanity.
Thaipusam, which is celebrated in the month of Thai or the 10th month in the Tamil calendar, commemorates this event.
Besides kavadi and bringing offerings, the festival is also celebrated with the distribution of free food by temples.
The Vibes’ photographer ABDUL RAZAK LATIF captures the vivid colours and sights of Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, the epicentre of the auspicious day’s festivities. – The Vibes, February 6, 2023
Devotees in the early hours of the morning of Thaipusam carrying offerings that include fruits, flowers and milk, making their way to the temple at Batu Caves. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Devotees preparing offerings early in the morning before the Thaipusam festivities start. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Looking contemplative, a devotee gets his head shaved as preparation for Thaipusam rituals. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Devotees prepare themselves for purification before starting the day of festivities on Thaipusam day. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023A devotee cleanses himself before carrying out Thaipusam rituals. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Not only the old undergo cleansing on Thaipusam day, as an infant here is seen receiving blessings at the temple. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023A devotee gets her tongue pierced as a sign of devotion to Lord Murugan. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Deep in a spiritual trance, devotees receive blessings at the temple and pay homage to Lord Murugan on Thaipusam day. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023As the sun fully rises, devotees walk barefoot towards the temple at Batu Caves to pay homage to Lord Murugan, their ankles adorned with bells and colourful threads. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Drenched in sunlight, a devotee walks towards Batu Caves with piercings on his back as a sign of devotion to Lord Murugan. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023With all his strength, a devotee walks towards Batu Caves with piercings on his back as a sign of devotion to Lord Murugan. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023A woman holds her offering of milk in a pot called 'paal kudam' on her head, paying homage to Lord Murugan. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023Hundreds of thousands of people throng the steps at Batu Caves to reach the temple inside, wearing bright colours and carrying Lord Murugan iconography. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023The glistening, larger-than-life gold statue of Lord Murugan stands at the entrance to the temple inside Batu Caves and watches over devotees. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, February 6, 2023
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