It was a Hindu procession. There were a good 75 - 100 trucks carrying people on hooks. Thats right, people on frigging hooks. I have seen similar stuff before. Nothing I had seen before could compare to the grand scale of this giant even. So much of "Kohomba" leaves were used to decorate the event, so much so it gave a jungle effect to the scene.
Thaipusam, as I later found out, is a a festival celebrated by Hindu's all over the world. Thaipusam is celebrated to commemorate the occasion where Parvathi gave Murugan a Vel(spear) to vanquish a evil deamon called Soorapaadam. Kavadi dancers, kavadi dancers on hooks and many devout believers take part in a procession that lasts for several hours. The procession takes a set route, usually from one Temple to another.
I'm usually fascinated by extreme things people do, and all ways try to capture it on film. Sadly I did not have my new Gadget with me. Although "Kalu kella" was right there with me. I managed to get some decent pictures.
Thu guy on top swings the tree, it makes the Dancer to swing which intern pulls on the hooks , which intensifies the pain. More pain, more god-Merit.
Children are brought to these believers on hooks to be blessed by the spirit which is in them.
Sometimes two, three believers are hanged in one truck.
This is one of the most extreme ones I saw. He had a hook on his fore head and even on his inner thighs. I couldn't fathom what I was seeing for a while.
If you look closely, you can see how the hooks are pulled when the dancer swings himself from side to side. This dancer had a extra rope attached to the tree he was hung to make himself swing.
I stood by the side of the road for quite sometime looking and enjoying this magnificent festival. It was another splendid occasion which popped the thought of how amazing the world is. Just imagine how boring it would be if the world was not so colorful. The world has so much flavor because of the different cultures it has and because of what the people of those cultures do.
The world is one AWESOME place
I hope you enjoyed the post.
Cheers!
I saw one at wellawaththa kovil two-three days ago. Is it the same function?
ReplyDeleteNice post...makes one rethink about power of faith and devotion. We are very lucky to have so much cultural diversity in this small island and it should be percieved as a blessing :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That is amazing. I've seen specials about this practice on television. I can't imagine seeing it live.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! :)
Oh, and kudos on the guitar classes. :)) How far along are you?
ReplyDeleteNice capture of the occasion mate. Bit scary though :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen this long time ago near our college. I would love to see it again. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing mate.
ReplyDeleteLooks bit scary though =D
K :D
ReplyDeleteYes I guess, it was passing Bamba at 12.30 in the afternoon. Thanks for your comments as all ways. I really appreciate it.
Silent :D
Why thank you :D I know, I mean this is how far they go. Indeed, that is the greatest blessing a country can receive culturally. Thank you for your comments. Really appreciate it.
Amaris :D
Yeah, even I have seen some on tv. Nothing can compare to seeing it live. Was one of the greatest things I ever saw. Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it. Ahh, I conduct the guitar class :), I have finished about 6 lessons now.
Sachira :D
Thank you, really nice to see yo over here. It was a little scary, yes. But I'm highly fascinated about this kinda of stuff. Super cool i would say. Thanks again for your lovely comments.
Gallicissa :D
I guess I saw it opposite your collage my self. It was truly beautiful. Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it.
Anjana :D
No issues at all :) My pleasure. It was a little scary, although I enjoyed it. Thank you for your super comments as all ways.
Cheers!
Extinction is taking place everywhere and in festivals too....
ReplyDeletenice because ,this ritual still exists !!
good shot buddy,this may be a wonder pics for the future generations !!
These are facinating shots; it's like the extreme version of Thaipusam I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteJa :D
ReplyDeleteAll ways thrilling to see anew blogger come by. I really appreciate your very lovely comments. Yes, I agree. I hope these traditions will be passed on to generations to come. I hoe they don't become extinct. Thanks once again for dropping by.
Horsoon :D
Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I really appreciate it. I was wondering where you were. It was the for me too!
Cheers!
definitely a land like no other..:).i miss these sites i used to see..when i used to go for classes in Colombo..:)always gave me chills down my spine to see this people do so much fro faith...when i know i dont even have faith as much as a mustard seed to do anything..*guilty smile..
ReplyDeleteQuite the spectacle that is, shame you didn't have your pentax with you.
ReplyDeletePenny :D
ReplyDeleteI know! Where would you ever find that. So you went for classes in Colombo? :) Don't tell you went to Shakthi. I know, totally. I'm sure you have more faith than any of us all together. Thank you for your super awesome comments as usual. Really appreciate it.
Purple :D
Thanks for the comments mate. Yeah, I was kicking myself for not having my camera with me. Really appreciate your comments.
Cheers!
Great shots. I haven't seen this for sometime. would love to go and photograph the whole festival
ReplyDelete