THAIPUSAM

2016-02-05, 12:12, JASON

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A great part about Singapore is theexposure to all of the ethnic communities' holidays. There essentially is a suite of them on our Singapore page, but this one highlights Thaipusam, a Tamil holiday. Wiki will do a far better explanation about the origins and practice, so I refer you there.

The celebrations were wild, centered largely around the Kavadi Attam or "burden dance" in which people walk down the street with these absolutely huge Kavadis, almost a shrine of sorts, on their shoulders. There's also piercing through the lips, skin on back, etc. as these people walk to temple -- a symbolic pilgrimmate. After just landing in Singapore, it was great to see this. (As I write this in 2016, I will have gone to two Thaipusams, one with Thorin!).

The night began with Alex and one of his Indian-Malaysian colleagues taking us to a local place to get some food. Then, we walked down the main parade path from Farrer Park to Little India station. All throughout, Tamils were celebrating and dancing. The kavadis were nuts. A brilliant demonstration of faith and devotion; one of the most extremes I've seen, and passionate.

Apologies, the pictures are a bit shit. Check out the other Thaipusam post to see better ones!