Thaipusam 09'

Thaipusam is celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). The festival commemorates both the birthday of Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a spear so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
I don't recall have been to a Thaipusam on weekend before and even yet,on a Sunday.
The feeling of being in the temple during the start of the ceremony is exhilarating.Many tourist,photographers,on-lookers,devotees and supporters can be seen surrounding the kavadi carrier...some done and preparing the one undertaking the carrier and many others just wanting to see this marvelous spectacle of faith.I had the opportunity the accompany a closed family friend this year with his walk from Serangoon right up til tank road.The road was extremely hot under the baking sun...did manage to walk some way barefoot though as a sign of good faith...well the heat got to me and had to put my slippers back on.Much later during the 4km walk the weather calmed a little and things were much better..the Serangoon stretch was no doubt the longest straight road during the journey.Its the first the time that i have accompanied anyone during kavadi carrying.

This year in Singapore there was a larger number than usual people taking part in this ceremony...9000 in all!Compared to the usual of about 4/5000.Hmmm more foreigners or has the economic downturn led people to take up more vows of faith?