Thaipusam, God and passion

• Photographer
  Visithra Manikam, Malaysia

Thaipusam is the biggest festival in Malaysia. While I have been
visiting it annually since I was a kid, I began photographing the festival
in 2005 as I began seriously learning photography. This was my 11th
year photographing it.

Thaipusam is a hindu celebration in honour of Lord Muruga. Devotees
fast weeks before they carry a kavadi and pierce their bodies with
hooks and spears. Spurred by the chants of vel! vel! they dance to the
sounds of the urumi melam. this series aims to showcase the intensity
of the festival.