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Thaipusam, Hindu Festival - Singapore - Vel Kavadi
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Thaipusam, Hindu Festival - Singapore - Vel Kavadi
Thaipusam, Hindu Festival, marked by Piercings and Painful Rituals in Singapore. The festival is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. Devotees practice mortification of the flesh (Vel Kavadi) by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers (as shown here). Date: circa 1920s
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Media ID 11584949
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Devotee Devotion Festival Flesh Hindu Hinduism Indonesia Malay Malaysia Painful Peninsula Pierce Piercing Ritual Rituals Singapore Tamil Mortification Piercings Thaipusam
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Thaipusam: A Testament to Devotion and Endurance in Singapore's Hindu Community Thaipusam, a significant Hindu festival mainly observed in countries with a substantial Tamil population, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar, is marked by the painful yet deeply devotional practice of Vel Kavadi. This ancient tradition, which translates to 'the carrying of the spear of Lord Murugan,' dates back to the 16th century and is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January or February). In this evocative photograph from the circa 1920s, a devotee from Singapore undergoes the Vel Kavadi ritual, piercing his skin, tongue, or cheeks with vel skewers. The vel is a long, sharp, and hollow metal spear with a hook at its tip, which is attached to a vellam, a small palm-leaf container holding milk or coconut water. The devotee's devotion is tested through this act of mortification of the flesh, believed to purify the soul and grant blessings and forgiveness. The Malay Peninsula, including Singapore, has a rich history of diverse religious practices, with Hinduism being an integral part of the cultural fabric. Thaipusam is an essential aspect of this heritage, drawing thousands of devotees each year to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. The Vel Kavadi ritual is a testament to the depth of devotion and endurance within the Hindu community, as they embrace the painful yet transformative experience of piercing their bodies in honor of their deity. The Vel Kavadi ritual is not for the faint-hearted, but for the devotees, it is a deeply spiritual and cleansing journey, a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to their beliefs. This photograph captures a moment in history, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions and practices that continue to shape the lives of the Hindu community in Singapore and beyond.
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