"Thaipusam - The Spiritual Nomads " (by Hai Thanh) http://www.lightstalkers.org/galleries/contact_sheet/32208 (2/2012. Batu cave, Malaysia.) Celebrated by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva. Before this day, Hindus usually prepare themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining self-discipline. A huge procession of penitents in an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting. Skewers fastened metal hooks, spikes on their body including tongues, cheeks and nipples defying all sense of pain. A fire walking ceremony is also demonstrated in some temples. http://www.lightstalkers.org en-us http://images.lightstalkers.org/avatars/46166/216025_1820992098927_419793_n_small.jpg Thaipusam - The Spiritual Nomads | Hai Thanh http://www.lightstalkers.org/Hai Thanh Celebrated by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva. Before this day, Hindus usually prepare themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining self-discipline. A huge procession of penitents in an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting. Skewers fastened metal hooks, spikes on their body including tongues, cheeks and nipples defying all sense of pain. A fire walking ceremony is also demonstrated in some temples. <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1290376/D1b_small.jpg' /><br />Celebrated by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva. Before this day, Hindus usually prepare themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining self-discipline. A huge procession of penitents in an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting. Skewers fastened metal hooks, spikes on their body including tongues, cheeks and nipples defying all sense of pain. A fire walking ceremony is also demonstrated in some temples.<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1290376'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1290376 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:47:27 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1290376 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1290376/D1b_small.jpg' /><br />Celebrated by Hindus on the tenth month of the Hindus calendar. It is believed on this day the stars, Pusan and Brihaspati are united into one. It is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva. Before this day, Hindus usually prepare themselves by fasting, dieting on certain food and maintaining self-discipline. A huge procession of penitents in an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting. Skewers fastened metal hooks, spikes on their body including tongues, cheeks and nipples defying all sense of pain. A fire walking ceremony is also demonstrated in some temples.<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1290376'>view full-size image</a> Hai Thanh