Thaipusam 2010

The first time i shot Thaipusam was about 3 years ago. At that time, i told myself its not gonna be anymore of it. The fact of the massive crowd and the bad traffic makes me think twice about going.

This year, i just knew i need to do it again. My shutterbug buddies did think of going but most did not keen enough when it comes to rise early and fighting for a parking. Fine, I decided a night before to do it no matter what even if i had to go alone. I think i need to get my adrenaline rush and fall in love with photography again. Being tied with wedding shoots and back to back shooting assignments makes me like a machine. I need to get my groove back before i become a trigger happy shooter. LOL.

Was accompanied by a non-photog friend who don't mind experiencing the culture. Its not something that easy to capture a good scene whilst having to fight for air. I was squeezing myself among thousands of devotees, photographers and tourists around the world who were there to witness the ritual offerings to lord murugan.

I did not regret doing this, again.

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.