Thaipusam is the largest and most significant Hindu public display in Malaysia as the celebration is all about faith, endurance and penance.
It is celebrated as a sign of appreciation to Lord Murugan.
Every year, millions of people gather at various temples nationwide to celebrate Thaipusam in a grand scale.
READ: Thaipusam Guide - How to Keep Your Children Safe?
On the Thaipusam day, a pilgrimage is taken by the devotees by shaving their heads and engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying different types of kavadi or a pot of milk.
Also, the mortification of flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is common.
Thaipusam involves physical and mental discipline as the devotees purify the body through rigid fasting with simple vegetarian meals and observe celibacy.
Thaipusam is celebrated faithfully with pilgrimage that gives devotees great powers of endurance to fulfill their vows.
LEARN: Types of Kavadi
