Everyone had that one friend in high school with multiple piercings – some visible, some not. Well, they got nothing on the devotees observing Thaipusam.

Warning: photos are somewhat graphic.

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamil community. Occurring during the full moon in the Tamil month Thai (usually January or February), Thaipusam honors Lord Murugan. Devotees seek blessing and give thanks by carrying milk pots or kavadis (elaborate contraptions) and piercing their bodies with spikes.

The ceremony in Singapore begins early in the morning at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India where family members provide support and assist with preparations.

Thaipusam in Singapore Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road

Participants then walk 4.5 km from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road.Thaipusam Singapore

Thaipusam in Singapore Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road

The Thaipusam festival is quite the spectacle and certainly attracts a crowd along the route.

Thaipusam Procession Singapore

Here is a short video of the procession and some photos of the preparations.

Singapore thaipusam festival

thaipussam-singapore-1

Thaipusam Singapore

Thaipusam Singapore

Thaipusam in Singapore

Thaipusam in Singapore 2017

Thaipusam in Singapore 2017

For more information about Thaipusam here is a link from yoursingapore.com.

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