Thaipusam is a festival observed by the Tamils, but in Malaysia, any kind of celebration is shared and experienced by everyone. Its origins, featuring Lord Murugan, can be depicted in many different ways, but the end result is the same: good wins over evil and devotees take or fulfil a vow and carry a kavadi or milk pot, with an option to pierce their body and shave their head, as offerings.

The main attraction for outsiders is the piercing to the devotees’ face or body, “miraculously” without sterilisation or anaesthesia, and with no blood or scars.

Thaipusam is also a vibrant festival. The kavadi is brightly decorated with peacock feathers, pictures of Hindu idols, colourful streamers and cloths and each has to be completed with small milk pots and a vel (spear). The devotees will be chanting and singing while those in a trance can be seen performing the kavadi dance, which is a ceremonial worship to Lord Murugan.

In Malaysia, the biggest Thaipusam celebration is at Batu Caves, with devotees participating in a procession that starts in the morning and can stretch for a mile – from the heart of KL and up 272 steps to the temple located within the cave.

You have to be right in the middle of this festival to fully experience it. The colours and the overall energy are exciting and uplifting, while you can also enjoy the sights at Batu Caves, including other caves with Hindu shrines and the 42.7m gold-plated statue of Lord Murugan, the tallest of its kind in the world. So come 7 February, make sure you witness this unique celebration of faith.

Written by Jivani Jeyasingam