Thaipusam is a Hindu religious festival that commemorates the birthday of Lord Muruga,and also the celebration of his parents presenting to him the vel (lance) in order for him tovanquish the evil. The festival is celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moonin the Tamil month of Thai, which falls on 23 January 2008.The largest celebration of Thaipusam happens in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, as processionafter procession await their chance to walk up the 272 steps to the temple. This processionstarts on the eve of Thaipusam from the Sri Mariamman Temple in the city centre, 15kmaway.During this event, devotees carry the kavadi or milk pot, run on fire, and pierce their body asit portrays their way of showing gratitude to Lord Muruga. Devotees also prepare themselvesa month before the celebration by fasting and abstaining themselves from worldly pleasures.
