Thaipusam is a religious Hindu celebration held in honor of Shiva’s son, which is especially important in Malaysia around Kuala Lumpur. During the ceremony the participants walk about 15km from the main temple Maha Mariamman, situated in the center of the city of Kuala Lumpur, to the temple in the Batu Caves, where they must then climb 272 steps to reach their destination. Many are in a state of religious trance and those who are loyal to the tradition pierce their cheeks and tongues with long needles and hooks adorn their torsos and backs with hanging limes, a symbol of purity. Some even choose to take on the “Kavadi“: a heavy steel structure decorated with flowers and festive coloured papers that is attached to the body by hooks and pins that penetrate the celebrant’s skin.

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