• Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009Music, which comes in the form of fast rhythmic beats, does not stop at the caves during Thaipusam.
    Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009A 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
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009A 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
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009One 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
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009A 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
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009A ritual is conducted to bring a devotee out of his trance.
    Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009A young devotee carries a plateful of ash and fire used for blessings.
    Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009Devotees and visitors seek blessings from priests and kavadi bearers.
    Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
  • Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009The festival continues through the night until the day after.
    Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Batu Caves, Malaysia, 2009
  • Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009
  • Buriganga River, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2009By Zakaria Zainal — Buriganga River, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2009
  • Ban Ta Klang, Surin, Thailand, 2009Ban Ta Klang, Surin, Thailand, 2009
  • Ayutthaya, Thailand, 2009Commissioned by AsiaPhoto — Ayutthaya, Thailand, 2009
  • Klong Toey, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009Klong Toey, Bangkok, Thailand, 2009
  • Ban Ta Klang, Surin, 2009Ban Ta Klang, Surin, 2009
  • Teochew Opera, Singapore, 2006Teochew Opera, Singapore, 2006