Thaipusam
Last Thursday was Thaipusam, a Hindu celebration of the day Lord Murugan received the "Vel" or divine spear from his mother, Mariamman, so he could kill the feared demon Soorapadman. Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). The celebration involves a procession of people bearing kavadis, which are cage-like structures ornamented with peacock feathers and steel plates displaying pictures of Hindu gods. This is done to give thanks and show gratitude for blessings received from Lord Murugan. For instance, if the devotee's son is laid up with a fatal disease, he would pray to Shanmuga (another god--they can pray to various gods during this time) to grant the boy a lease of life. In return for which the devotee takes a vow to dedicate a kavadi to him. Below are photos of the various Kavadis and the preparations of them. It was fascinating!
