Thaipusam in Singapore

You remember my post about the Indian festival Thaipusam?

Pierced cheeks and tongue and carrying a huge spike kavadi.

It is really special.

The ambiance at the temple from where it starts is very lively and unusual during about 24 hours. There is a sense of community spirit, devotion, focus, happiness, pain, trance. The whole day is filled with rituals and colors.

A couple of years ago I hung around several hours at the temple (Little India) and was in a state of constant awe and amazement.

The area for those devotees that have chosen to carry a gigantic spike kavadi. The building up and attaching to the body needs space and time.

I am not sure that I will go again this year though, since it can get very crowded and the ‘onlookers’ and ‘tourists’ (like myself;-)) almost outnumber the devotees. I am surprised that the temple still allows people to stand around, watch and take pictures. Don’t get me wrong; I am also very, very happy that they allow it. Because it was one of the highlights for me during more then 4 years in Singapore. And I wish for others to be able to experience the same.

Pierced cheeks, dozens of small milk jars hooked in their chest and walking all those miles on spiked slippers!!!!

For those interested; it is celebrated on the 17th of january. Location: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India, Singapore. Please google their website for the latest information, times, rules and regulations.

And please behave, dear fellow photographers. We are guests there. Let’s be modest and not get in the way of the devotees. Give room to other photographers and onlookers too; don’t be selfish. And show some respect to the participants. Try to understand what is happening and why, instead of just snapping away.

Two of the many, many photographers like myself, that were hanging around the devotees that day.

IF you go there, and IF you publish your pictures somewhere, wether it is on your blog, Flickr, FaceBook or Instagram, feel free to put the url in a comment below. Or tell me about how you experienced Thaipusam. I am interested in your stories and images!

Yes, children participate as well. Usually they limit themselves to carrying a jar of milk.