When we were on the island of Penang in Malaysia, we were lucky enough to have a special feast. The Thaipusam is celebrated by the Tamils in the month of Thai. Depending on the full moon it takes place either in January or in February.
If you are at this time in Malaysia, South India or Singapore, I recommend you go there anyway. Although Thaipusam is mainly celebrated in the south of India, as there are many Tamils living in Malaysia, Singapore, this is also extensively practiced there.
We never thought what to expect!
Although we were one of the few foreigners at this festival, we were kindly received by the people. Everywhere there were stands where there was free food and drink. It did not matter if you were a believer or not.
Despite the enormous masses of human beings, all of them took care of each other and were friendly to one another. Everywhere there were Tamils who had taken the pain and jellyfish for their faith. It hurt us from watching.
Many people were pierced with hoes and spears. As under trance, the creditors have walked the almost endless steps up to the temple. But always accompanied by at least one person of their trust, who accompanies them in this sacred way.
In some the whole grain is drilled with hacking and hanging on it small silver jugs with the milk of the holy cow. For the Tamil god Murogan a lot of pain and agony are taken.
Others bore a burden, which was decorated with peacock feathers and has an enormous load of up to 30 kilos. For us it was not easy to carry our daughter up the long stairs. How do you have to weigh 30 kilos for a huge load?
There were also other Tamils who did not carry a load but had many hoes in their backs. Connected to long ropes where their companions hold them from behind. Again, others walked with huge heavy jugs with milk the countless stairs up to the temple.
It did not seem to be a fixed rule, but everyone did what he could do.
It was astonishing that everything went so well, although there were countless people there. At the temple, all pilgrims were delivered from their burdens. Everyone seemed happy and dissolved.
We had asked why they are taking these great pain. On the one hand that they hope for happiness from Murogan, and on the other hand, if someone is seriously ill and they pay homage to God and ask for recovery. There are countless reasons ...
Everyone had something in common, this was faith, and this, as you know, moves mountains!
Thank you Steemian's
Salima & Timo