Thaipusam Journey Part 3

Closeup of a decorated kavadi with the idol at the center of a floral design.

Small containers of milk hangs off the chest of a devotee.

A helping hand in inserting the hooked oranges on the devotees back for preparation of the kavadi.

Brotherhood and a friendly reassurance from a fellow kavadi bearer prepares the devotee for the trials ahead.

Devotee in a trance and weilding a wooden club.

The onset of a trance after the priest has blown the blessed ash onto the devotee, he readies his tongue willingly for it to be pierced with a spear as part of the kavadi.

The person looked on and ready himself before the pierced lime are to be inserted onto his back, each and every one of them.

Portrait of a kavadi bearer with pierced tongue.

Pierced lime are slowly hung onto the devotee's back.

The priest steadies the devotee as he enters a trance which can be violent as it is suddenly brought upon the person.

A father and his kid who's head has been shaved as part of the blessing, the balloon seems to console him and he looked as if he was excited and having fun.

Offerings laid out at the makeshift altar in front of the kavadi as the priest offers prayers and blessings.