Happy Thaipusam!

I have never witnessed as dramatic a cultural event in my travels than the 3-day Thaipusam Festival in George Town, Malaysia. I'm relying on Wikipedia and the Penang Website for my information about it - so you can read more at those sites if you are interested.

Thaipusam began here in the late 18th century via Indian immigrants that now make up a little more than 6% of the country's population. The devotees are seeking blessings, fulfilling vows, and offering thanks to Lord Murugon, the Hindu God of War. 

The festival begins with a day-long procession of two chariots. The gold one, pictured below unless there was another more grand gold one I missed, is carrying the Vel (sword) symbolizing what Lord Murugon used to defeat the demon. The silver one, beginning at a different Temple but then joining this route, carries the statue of Lord Murugon.

The gold chariot carrying the vel (sword)

Hindus are lining the streets, and in the streets, waiting for the chariot to arrive so they can deliver their offerings.

Waiting for the chariot

There are food stalls offering free food and drink for the attendees and also entertainment in the street.

Dancing figures in the street

There are also piles and piles of coconuts lined up. Many are from local Chinese companies that are honoring the festival and its participants - at least that is what it seems like to an outsider like me. There are also some Chinese devotees of Thaipusam. The coconuts get smashed at a later time that we missed seeing. I hear it is dramatic though!

Piles of coconuts line the procession route

The procession stops at Hindu Temples along the route and I'm guessing more offerings are made there. We didn't feel comfortable walking into temples as outside observers.

Hindu Temple along the route

The procession went on and on, but we retreated from the 89 F heat into our air-conditioned room. We  went out again the next evening to experience more of the Festival.

Unsure of what was happening, we followed the noise of drums toward the Waterfall Temple that devotees walk up over 500 steps to reach. We were in throngs of people marching alongside (and some supporting) the devotees that were carrying heavy Kavadis (burdens). It was so loud we maneuvered our way back and found the less crowded, but still ongoing lines of devotees heading toward the temple.

Prior to Thaipusam, the devotees have cleansed themselves, remained celibate and fasted. The burdens are carried as a ceremonial act of sacrifice, and to beseech Murugan for assistance, the healing of a loved one, or to balance a spiritual debt.

Devotee carrying Kavadis

This Kavadis was the largest one we saw

Some devotees are ritually pierced with a vel skewer. Just a warning that the photo below may be a little shocking. It was certainly hard to witness.

Darrell watching a devotee pass by

After we returned to our room, we watched a video on Malaysia that said public holidays are rotated among the religions. There was a public holiday for Thaipusam the next day (Monday) but I'm not sure if that is every year here or if it rotates. In any case, it shows how multiculturalism is widely accepted here. Bravo for Malaysia!