A pilgrim takes a drink to stay hydrated during the annual Hindu Thaipusam festival in Palani in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. The spear through this pilgrim's cheeks is a form of kavadi which is an act of devotion represented by mortification of the flesh. The spear reminds the pilgrim constantly of Lord Murugan the youngest son of Shiva. The spear also prevents him from speaking and gives him great power of endurance. The Thaipusam festival commemorates Lord Murugan's birthday.
A pilgrim takes a drink to stay hydrated during the annual Hindu Thaipusam festival in Palani in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. The spear through this pilgrim's cheeks is a form of kavadi which is an act of devotion represented by mortification of the flesh. The spear reminds the pilgrim constantly of Lord Murugan the youngest son of Shiva. The spear also prevents him from speaking and gives him great power of endurance. The Thaipusam festival commemorates Lord Murugan's birthday.
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Photo credit: © Paul Liebhardt / Alamy / Afripics
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