A Journey of Pilgrim 19 Mar 2011

These photos were taken by Daddy at his job site at Jalan Ipoh.

There are devotees with barefoot were walking to the Hindu Temple for the purpose of vow fulfilment. During the pilgrimage, some devotees will carry large milk pots and ornate frames (kavadi). The kavadi are supported by a series of spikes that laterally pierce the skin of their chest and backs as a symbol of penance.

I have heard that on the month leading up to the pilgrimage, those who have decided to bear the kavadi will have mainly subsisted on a heavily restricted diet and completely fast on last few days before the pilgrimage.

Naturally, these extremes demand of very high level of mental and physical fortitude. Not all devotees who take the pilgrimage will pierce their skin with hooks.

Many will just opt carry a pot of milk, which serves as a symbol of fertility and abundance in Hindu faith. In a sense, it could be considered form of thanksgiving to their God for any prayers that he has answered.