Title
Devotees during the celebration of Thaipusam
Year/Period
Early-mid 20th century
Region
Singapore/Malaysia
Dimension
Image size: L13.6cm X W8.7cm
Accession No.
1991-00460
Collection of
Thaipusam is a time of celebration for Hindus, who honour Lord Murugan, a son of Shiva, on this day. Festivities are marked by chariot processions and kavadi carrying, where the bearers usually have spikes and metal hooks pierced into their bodies. Some devotees are also pierced with a skewer - known as 'vels', or symbolic spears - through the tongue, as illustrated by the man on the left in this postcard.
