Thaipusam Festival

The Thaipusam Festival is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in January or February, coinciding with the full moon. In Singapore, it's a visually striking event where devotees undertake a 4km barefoot procession between temples. Many carry 'kavadis' – ornate structures supported by hooks and spikes piercing the skin – as a demonstration of devotion, often accompanied by fasting and other rigorous preparations. The festival showcases profound faith, community support, and a powerful display of endurance.