Yesterday, I visited the popular tourist attraction of Batu Caves, just north of the city of Kuala Lumpur. These huge limestone caves house a Hindu temple, where this weekend, throngs of people will be gathering for the Thaipusam festival. I went early to view the preparations and avoid the huge crowds - parking was bad enough yesterday, so goodness knows what it will be like tomorrow when hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees pay annual homage to Lord Murugan who vanquished the evil demon Soorapadman with a
vel (spear).
Thaipusam will be a day for celebration and atonement for which devotees will have prepared with weeks of rigorous abstinence. Many will shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route ( including climbing the 272 steep steps up to the caves) while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of
kavadi (burdens).
Some will simply carry a pot of milk, but others will shoulder a more elaborate, semi circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod.
Thaipusam - vel kavadi Some devotees will even endure an austere penance by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with
vel skewers! Apparently in their trance-like state they feel no pain. How bizarre! I didn't spot any of these yesterday, unfortunately. I imagine the photo opportunities will be amazing tomorrow, providing you can handle the jostling crowds! For more startling images
click here (if you can bear it!).
Hundreds of stall holders have set up to ply their wares. I bought a beautiful garland of chrysanthemums, orchids and sweet smelling jasmine from this cheerful chap!
Get your Kavadi here..
or fragrant Sambrani Incense there..
Take in the exotic statues!
but watch out for food and bag snatchers at the top of the steps!
And last but definitely not least - is this Rapunzel?
Check out this lady's incredibly long locks! Now that surely must be quite a burden to carry up those steps!
