5. Thaipusam (Body-piercing Festival)
Some people pay tribute to their deities by praying before alters, making symbolic tributes, or fasting. But when you’re the god of war, that just won’t cut it. Throughout India and Southeast Asia, devotees of Lord Murugan honor him by putting themselves through hell.
Believers drive spears through their cheeks, needles through their tongues, and hooks throughout their bodies.
Photo from Lasia.net
In parts of Malaysia, these hooks are attached to chains that fasten an extravagant alter weighing up to 66 pounds above their heads. The scene may resemble something out of the movie Hellraiser. But, devotees say they feel no pain.
Instead, they say they’re taken into a trance like-state as they parade through the streets to cheering crowds and the sounds of drums. Sometimes, hooks on their backs are attached to carts or tractors which they then pull through the processions.
Even while impaled, they perform the kavadi dance often with big smiles across their faces. Women and children are also happy to take part in the offerings.
Photo from Google
