Traveler Magazine Andrew Harper Traveler Summer 2019 | Page 48

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THAIPUSAM
When it comes to Malaysia’s most famous
festival, you might not have heard of it and
you’ve definitely never seen anything like
it. In a largely Muslim country, the Hindu
festival of Thaipusam is piercing—literally.
Devotees of the festival embark on extreme
pilgrimages as far as 20 miles wearing kavadi
(or “burdens”) that penetrate the skin as
a symbol of ceremonial sacrifice. Kavadi
include small pins adorned with offerings like
fruit or flowers, spears through the tongue or
cheeks, suspension hooks through the back
and elaborate cages that penetrate the skin in
multiple areas.
In January or February—during the
Tamil month of Thai when the star of Pusam
reaches its highest point in the sky—Tamil
communities around the world participate
in this stunning tradition, the most striking
of which takes place at the Batu Caves just
outside Kuala Lumpur. Gather below the
140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan to
witness the entranced devotees don their
kavadi and ascend 272 steps painted in a
dazzling gradient of psychedelic colors. From
this oh-so-Instagrammable entrance to the
awe-inspiring procession and otherworldly
physical feats, the excitement and adrenaline
is palpable. Attend Thaipusam at Batu Caves
and you’ll surely be hooked—figuratively,
that is.
PHOTOS
L E F T: T H A I P U S A M F E S T I VA L ,
K U A L A L U M P U R , M A L AY S I A
R I G H T: H O L I F E S T I VA L I N I N D I A
HOLI
India is already known for being one of
the world’s most colorful destinations, but
the festival of Holi takes it to another level
entirely. Thrown a fistful at a time, vibrant
gulal powder of every color coats the streets
and all its participants. India’s cities and
SUMMER | 2019