Music, which comes in the form of fast rhythmic beats, does not stop at the caves during Thaipusam.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
A devotee in trance dances to the fast beats while carrying his kavadi. Kumkumam, a bright red traditional Indian powder, is smeared over his tongue and body and used to give blessings to other devotees.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
A devotee in trance with milk poured over his head. Pilgrims seek blessings from these devotees at the caves.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
One of the three main caves atop the stairs, the Cathedral Cave is the tallest and houses the main Hindu temple.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
A devotee have his kavadi removed after completing his pilgrimage. The wounds are then treated with hot ash and lemon juice.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
A ritual is conducted to bring a devotee out of his trance.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
A young devotee carries a plateful of ash and fire used for blessings.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
Devotees and visitors seek blessings from priests and kavadi bearers.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
The festival continues through the night until the day after.
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009
By Zakaria Zainal — Buriganga River, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2009
Ban Ta Klang, Surin, Thailand, 2009
Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Ayutthaya, Thailand, 2009
Klong Toey, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009
Ban Ta Klang, Surin, 2009
Teochew Opera, Singapore, 2006
