Thaipusum (The Pilgrim)

The Hindu festival of Thaipusam is about faith, endurance and penance.

This show one of the pilgrims with pierced skewers (or 'vels' - symbolic

spears); through the cheeks.

Another truly inspiring image from you ! I like the total contrated look on his face its like he has no knowledge of the photographer ...

 

well done !

regards Jeff

Thaipusam is a time for Hindus of all castes and cultures to say thank you and show their appreciation to one of their Gods, Lord Murugan, a son of Shiva. Before the festival day itself there's an early morning chariot procession.

Devotees approach the chariot with bowls of fruit and even hold babies up to be blessed. Groups of musicians and drummers add to the carnival feel, and pilgrims follow in procession.

 

On the day of Thaipusam itself devotees go to different lengths to show their devotion.

Some carry pots of milk or "paal kudam" on their heads as a show of devotion and love to the god.

 

Others carry elaborate frameworks on their shoulders called "kavadis", which have long chains hanging down with hooks at the end which are pushed into their backs. (Kavadis can be carried in honour of other deities as well as Murugan.)

 

Many of these pilgrims are pierced with two skewers (or 'vels' - symbolic spears); one through the tongue, and one through the cheeks.(as shown in my loaded photo)

 

Each kavadi carrier has a group of chanting helpers who support and encourage them throughout the pilgrimage. The helpers protect them from the crowds and form a protective ring around the kavadi so that the wearer can dance freely, reflecting Murugan's role as Lord of the Dance.

 

The piercing by skewers symbolises several things:

that the pilgrim has temporarily renounced the gift of speech so that he or she may concentrate more fully upon the deity

that the devotee has passed wholly under the protection of the deity who will not allow him/her to shed blood or suffer pain.

the transience of the physical body in contrast with the enduring power of truth.

Very good close up and cropping.I also like the details and the water on his face.

Que buena, muy, muy expresiva.

Saludos.

Thank You for the explanation behind the photo. I think the look you captured on his face displays his commitment so very well.

the intensity and the man look are strengthened by the by the photo setting.

Very well done Anto

Stunning. I enjoy the commentary. You have captured a powerful scene with strong details. Understanding the culture helps me appreciate the significance of this captivating image. What a gift you have.

Una toma excelente y a la vez impresionante,con una estupenda luz y detalle.Interesante documento sobre las costumbres y tradiciones de los hindues,junto a una magnifica y detallada informacion.

 

Un cordial saludo -Tolo.

Very impressive document. Unfolds it's full potential after reading your commentary. Compliments, El

Great work Cherlyn. Best regards. 7/7

Fine shot, Cherlyn. Warm regards...

Excellent capture with an interesting ethnic flavor. Very nice, Cherlyn.

Crisp sharpness, shallow DOF, superb light, great expression, Cherlyn, very impressive capture! Best regards

Cherlyn, with you and Spencer, we get a real good impression of that unusual culture.This is a very good and hard to look portrait. I like the blurred BG and the flowers in the FG, as well as your very good explanation.

Interesting story and very good shot,like contrast between BG and FG and face expression so well ballance in this composition,regards.

Excellent portrait! 7/7

The pain of this seems to be transmitted not only by the piercing but the droplets you photographed so prominently in this portrait. The yellow flowers bring relief. Amazing shot, something I'd find in "National Geographic Magazine."

Excellent and original documentary image,well done Cherlyn,best regards

Cherlyn, definitely not for me, and I'm a doctor. I always find unnecessary mutilation hard to take.

Excellent documentation! Very well taken

Superb portrayal of faith and fantastic detailed description of the festival. Compliments

Again, thanks for the explanation. Despite the documentary part, this is an excellent portrait shot. Regards - Hasan

Although I'm not in favor of this type of rituals, but this image is stunning as a documentary shot.

 

Regards...

Cherlyn, I consider this to be a first rate documentary portrait. . riveting and fascinating in its cultural context. . . .