PHOTO GALLERY: THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL in PENANG

2012/02/14

photos of Thaipusam include this silver chariot illuminated at night

Thaipusam’s silver chariot illuminated at night

PHOTO GALLERY: THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL in PENANG

The dramatic, chaotic Indian Thaipusam Festival is punctuated by two brightly decorated cows pulling a silver chariot; vigorous coconut smashing; devotees with pierced tongues, cheeks, chests and backs; live musicians escorting a long parade procession and throngs of onlookers.

heavily pierced devotee at Thaipusam – Penang

Thaipusam lasts 2-3 days. It begins at dawn with prayers and rituals at a designated Hindu temple amidst throngs of people.

Then the Thaipusam procession officially kicks off with two colorfully decorated cows pulling a silver chariot, which bears a statue of Lord Murugan. They proceed slowly through the streets for several miles to reach a specified Indian Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Murugan.

Typically the procession takes 6-12 hours to reach the temple. After that, thousands of people participate in various rituals and noisy celebratory dancing, which continues all night til the wee hours of the morning.

The pierced and float-laden devotees are paying tribute to Lord Murugan to show thanks for their prayers being answered. Generally, they have previously prayed to him to avert some serious trouble, hardship or disaster.

Thaipusam is celebrated annually in India and countries with large Tamil Indian communities such as Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

This photo gallery presents 75 images from Thaipusam in Penang, Malaysia. Get prepared…

SEE Photos of Thaipusam Festival in Penang