Piercing

                    The Hindu festival of Thaipusam is about faith, endurance and penance.

My pictures, no justice. Immersion in the heat, sounds, colour and smell is the only way to experience this. It is a celebration dedicated to the issuance of the Vel (lance) to Hindu deity Lord Murugan

He was called by his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to vanquish the demon army of Tharakasuran and combat their evil deeds.This he did and now the date is observed as a day of thanksgiving and paying penance for Lord Murugan and his victory of good over evil.

Coconuts at the ready. They will be smashed to symbolise the shattering of one’s ego in the pursuit of self-realization

Difficult to see but the gentleman in the white has a flaming coconut which he is about to smash on the ground

The structure being carried is a Kavadi. There are many rules a devotee must follow before he is allowed to carry one. Vegetarian diet, don't kill insects, control negative emotions and lead a simple life.

Devotees carrying Paal Kudam   (Pot of milk). They undertake to be pure in thought, word and deed , just like milk.

 This guy was having some trouble with his new shoes. Been there, had a terrible blister on the back of my heel once. Now if I ever think they may be to tight, I will wear them around the house with two pairs of socks on. Was considering sharing my tip but on closer inspection...

...i see what the problem is. He is walking on a bed of nails.

Slow queue leading up to the  Waterfall temple, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil which is the end destination.

We have been there previously http://www.kiwithree.com/2013/11/temple.html

  Act of penance or fulfillment of a vow done to develop spirituality. Physical endurance by piercing the cheeks, tongue, or skin on the body with hooks and Vel skewers.