saturday purple: acts of devotion in kuala lumpur, malaysia

Hands down, the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed is the Thaipusam Festival at the Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually commemorating the birthday of Lord Murugan, an important god among the Tamil people in Southern India (a large population of Tamil Indians settled in Malaysia). Devotees demonstrate penance through a series of burdens. Burdens can range carrying a pot of milk to different forms of mortification of the flesh - piercing ones skin, cheeks or tongue.

In Malaysia millions complete the pilgrimage to the Batu Caves. Weighed down by their burdens and demonstrating their devotion to their faith, it is a truly amazing sight to see.

To see this incredible display of penance for yourself, plan a visit to Kuala Lumpur in January or February (depending on the year). You won't regret it!

More pictures here.

* I post a picture most days inspired by the color of the day. Sundays are Black and White, Mondays Red, Tuesday Orange, Wednesday Yellow, Green on Thursday, Blue on Friday and you guessed it, Purple for Saturday.