Man with pierced tongue and spikes in his skin during the Thaipusam festival procession, Little India, Singapore, February 2020
On the day of Thaipusam devotees go to different lengths to show their devotion to the deity Lord Murugan. Some simply join the crowds processing through the street. Others carry elaborate frameworks on their shoulders called ‘kavadis’, which have long chains hanging down with hooks at the end which are pushed into their backs. Some carry pots of milk or ‘paal kudam’ on their heads as a show of devotion and love to the god. Many of the pilgrims are pierced with two skewers (or 'vels' - symbolic spears); one through the tongue, and one through the cheeks.
Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Little India, Singapore
Photo credit: © Robin Weaver / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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