Singapore - Event

Singaporean Hindus demonstrate their unwavering faith in the spectacular Thaipusam street procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Some devotees carry milk-pot offerings for Lord Subrahmanya, whereas others attach kavadis (large metal frames) to their bodies using hooks and spikes.

During the procession, these highly dedicated participants - who undergo a strict regime before they proceed to carry the kavadi - are joined by supporters who drum and chant to keep up their morale. Some of the more hardy devotees also hang weights from their kavadis. The procession travels four kilometres, finishing at the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple on Keong Siak Road.

In the build up to Thaipusam, these devotees must live a life of abstinence while maintaining a strict vegetarian diet. It is believed that only when the mind is free of material wants and the body free from physical pleasures that a devotee can undertake this sacred task without feeling any pain.

Thaipusam is a Hindu thanksgiving celebration, in honour of Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Lord Murugan) who represents virtue, youth and power and is the destroyer of evil. It occurs on the full moon day in the month of Thai, which falls in January or February. A few days before the procession itself, it's also possible to visit the stalls on Serangoon Rd which offer the kind of equipment used in the event.