Thaipusam 2010 - fascinating

Singapore is very modern, which makes it more like the U.S. than its other south-east Asian counterparts. That's why we love events like Thaipusam. They remind us that we are definitely living in Asia...and it's awesome.

Thaipusam is a Hindu celebration. Devotees start at one temple, pierce various parts of their bodies, and then proceed to walk 4 kilometers to another temple. A section of the street is blocked off for the prosession and spectators.  The devotees begin fasting up to one month before the celebration in order for their bodies to handle the piercings without bleeding. (more info http://www.etour-singapore.com/thaipusam-singapore.html )

There were hundreds of spectators all with their cameras flashing. At first I felt rude taking pictures, but my Hindu friend told me that it is ok and not to worry. Below are some pics from the event (look at your own risk...there are piercings, but no blood). Most were taken by my friend Megan who has let me use them in this post (thanks Megan!).

The temple where they started

And I thought high heels were painful!

Procession

We only saw men devotees when we were there, but my friend Megan got a pic of a woman devotee