man in trance carrying pink roses fixed by hooks in the skin of his back, ascends stairways to sanctuary of Batu Caves, Thaipusam ceremonies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2012. Thaipusam ceremonies, celebrated by tamile Hindu community in Malaysia, take place in Sanctuary of Batu Caves at the border of Kuala Lumpur, each year around end of January or beginning of February, according to Hindu moon calendar. The event is paying hommage to Lord Murugan, a spirit or god created by Shiva to lead...
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man in trance carrying pink roses fixed by hooks in the skin of his back, ascends stairways to sanctuary of Batu Caves, Thaipusam ceremonies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2012. Thaipusam ceremonies, celebrated by tamile Hindu community in Malaysia, take place in Sanctuary of Batu Caves at the border of Kuala Lumpur, each year around end of January or beginning of February, according to Hindu moon calendar. The event is paying hommage to Lord Murugan, a spirit or god created by Shiva to lead the army of gods against the army of evil demons, finally defeating the evil spirits. There are many ways to present offerings or sacrifices for this major religious event. Devotees mortify their bodies by carrying heavy kavaris with spears fixed in their skin or fruits, flowers and little post with holy milk fixed with hooks in their skin, ascending the stairways to the sanctuary in trance, `followed by assistant taking care and musicians playing loud and fast rhythmic trance music. Many families shave their head in a ritual before ascending the stairways, as part of rituals to obtain salvation for their ancestors.
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