While in Penang, we stumbled upon the Hindu Festival of Thaipusam. Everything about this celebration made our mouths drop open (as will yours when you see the photos.) It’s a celebration of the birthday of the youngest son of the God Shiva and celebrated by the Tamil community. Apparently banned in India, it’s celebrated with much fanfare in Penang and throughout other parts of Malaysia.
I will let the photos do the talking as I can do them no justice, but for a little bit of background know that it is about worshiping Gods, cleansing the devotee’s soul and body, fasting and making offerings to the Gods through elaborate song and dance. As an outsider, it is truly an amazing experience. The colors are vibrant, the music is loud, the dance is trance-like and the piercings are hair raising.
