Man with large spike through his cheeks as a form of self sacrific for the goddess Mariamman, Tamil Nadu, India

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Mariamman is a form of the Hindu Goddess Kali. It is believed that illnesses are caused by her anger. On her "birthday" everyone dresses up, carrys water and tumeric from the river to the temple. People commit acts of self-sacrific in her honour. This festival is particulary celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

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Size: 3667px × 5500px
Photo credit: © Louise Batalla Duran / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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