Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thaipusam in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

Today is Thaipusam, a holy Hindu festival in honor of Lord Muruga where people pay penance or give thanks for blessings received.

The road leading to Batu Caves is congested as thousands of local devotees and visitors alike make their way up the 272 steps leading to the temple.

Batu Caves is once again the place where thousands throng to each year. If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur, you may want to visit Batu Caves to witness the unique ritual of Hindu devotees carrying kavadi and with hooks attached to their body and spears pierced through their cheeks. Others bearing a pot of milk, yet others walking on blades of knives.

All events need preparation. Here is a short video on the surrounding area of Batu Caves and on people making preparations for the big annual event - the calm before a storm, sort of. Enjoy the serenity and then head on over to Thaipusam itself.

3 comments:

  1. Vel Vel Shakti Vel..Om shanti.

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  2. i'm glad that KTM has a new station at Batu Caves.. because all the past years, people are taking the LRT to Gombak and go to Batu Cave from there.. so i really have to squeeze into the train already packed with devotees on Thaipusam.. but this year, the train is so empty like normal.. haha!! :)

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  3. It is the time of the year again right? :D Well...100k are expected to be here?

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