Happy Thaipussam's eve in Pangkor Photo

Photographer’s Note

This sitted and relaxed guy who i met in the hindu temple of Lakhsmi on Pangkor island was telling me that he was very excited and couldn't wait for the next day which would certainly be the highlight of his whole life.

The reason for his happiness is that we were on Thaipussam's eve, a hindu sacred festival, and that he would attend the festival showing his devotion by piercing his cheeks with an iron bar with a little extra of some hooks nicely inserted through the flesh of his back.

Kuala Lumpur thaipussam's is quite well known through SE.Asia ; thousands of hindu peregrins gather in february to attend the festival. Pangkor's is lesser known and takes place few days after, there aren't as many people as in KL's mostly because it's an island but it may be easier to see what's going on.

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Critiques | Translate

evilren (1395) 2003-05-17 21:12

WOOOOOW! this picture has everything, beautiful different colors, 2 objects on the opposit corners and the 3 hanging yellow leaves (am I correct).in my opinion the only thing that separates this picture from beeing a "super picture" is the white thing on the floor (left side).
daniel

PeskyPolecat (0) 2003-05-18 3:13

Agree that the white thing on the left is distracting, as is the blurred arm. Otherwise great shot

Aegean (2567) 2003-05-18 4:24

The guy's face expression shows his "comunication" with deity...Colors are perfect...and the whole picture is simply great!

wideangle (72) 2004-09-30 22:56

masterfully done.. i like it!

bnallama (3755) 2005-05-12 13:18

Nice shot.. maybe I can add some comments to your note.

Actually Thaipusam is more of a Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Muruga, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is actually celebrated by Hindu Tamils only.

You are right about Kuala Lumpur thaipusam.. It attracts about a million people... I would dare to say that it is one of most coulurful thaipusams in the world.... :-)) I wish I could be in Palani in India.. as the temple is decicated to lord muruga and must be wonderul during thaipusam..

So did you snap any photos during thaipusam??

Before I forget, nice shot.. :-))