The kavadis is placed on the shoulders of
the devotee. The kavadis represents a miniature shrine.
Women carry a silver jug full of milk on their heads, some are pierced
through their cheeks and tongues and others not.
Chains are dropped from the central body of the kavadis and hooked onto
the flesh of the bearer. The length of the spears had to be limited to a
metre in consideration for other devotees. Others hook limes,
oranges or coconuts onto their bodies.
They are always accompanied by an entourage of relatives and friends to
make them enthusiastic with dance parades, songs, musicians playing the
drums and the flutes.
As they arrive at the shrine at the Batu Caves, the Swami removes the
hooks, spears etc. The vow is finally fulfilled.
Thaipusam is celebrated at Peninsular of
Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and on Penang
The procession on Penang starts on the eve before the Thaipusam festival
at the Chettiar Temple in Penang Street.
