Thaipusam, a seemingly crazy self mutilating Hindu festival is in fact a deeply religious event. Not everyone pierces the skin, there are in fact many ways to pay hommage. However those that are seeking some kind of help or guidance for themselves or a loved one in anyway will take part in the piercing of the skin ceremony whereby they pierce various parts of their skin which can include the arms, legs, nipples, tongue, cheeks etc.. They then walk around in a kind of trance for the day before the piercings are removed. In Kuala Lumpur the festival begins in KL on the friday evening and heads down to the Batu Caves where piercing are conducted on the Saturday and Sunday. More than 1 million people head down to watch the spectacle, be warned it can be a bit of a mush, take lots of water and be careful with all belongings! More information on Thaipusam can be found here.
