A "vel" day out!

I woke up as early as 4am for this event. I've always wanted to attend such event thats been awaited not only the Hindus, but as well as the tourists and photojournalists around the world.

It was definitely a new experience to witness the procession of vel kavadi along the route.

I felt nervous, eerie and fascinated with the scene. But with total respect towards culture, i managed to face my fear and be apart of the crowd and took some shots of the festive scenes.

The devotee must have super massive strength to bear such pain.
But once he entered a trance, no pain, no blood and no scars will be left behind.

Besides constant praying, fasting, the devotees also sleeping on floors and
abstaining from any entertainment towards the journey of the their sacred festive season.

Even the child shave their heads to undertake their pilgrimage
with their parents along the route while performing the vel kavadi.
I managed to capture this shot of a baby's head being shaven off while passing by the route.
Kids just don't fancy a haircut!

The lady devotee was very much into her sacred moment while carrying a pot of milk on her head.
Regardless the noise, the massive crowd and flashes of photograper around her,
she was still in her own world of procession that brought her into trance.

click here for larger versions, and here to wiki more on thaipusam.