Thaipusam

Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Tamil Hindu festival held in the Tamil month of Tai when the moon passes in front of the star Pusam (January thru February). It is a time to honor Lord Muragan with rituals. Stacks of coconuts are smashed on the street to purify the path. Mortification of the flesh and infliction of the physical pain are acts of atonement. Devotees undergo a 21-day period of abstinence and prayers. Male devotees carrying spiked Kavadis may have up to 108 metal hooks and two skewers in their body. Afterwards, holy ash is rubbed on their wounds, leaving little evidence of the ordeal.