“vel! vel! murugan.”
“vel! vel! murugan.”
“vel! vel! murugan.”

it’s hypnotic, this chant of glory to the lord murugan. vel represents a spear used to vanquish evil.  you cannot help but be caught up in the calls, colours and culture that surround thaipusam, celebrated in the tamil month of thai, on the day when the full moon is at its highest point.

g perumal, a devotee and kavadi-maker, is at the end of his 48-day period of fasting and abstinence. he is dressed elaborately, his rituals observed and ready to begin his journey. to pay penance and fulfil vows. the ‘urumee melam’ ensemble drummers raise their beats to a resonant, rhythmic frenzy. these compelling beats accompany kavadi-bearers as they dance their way in a trance to lord murugan to fulfil their vows.

thoroughly prepared, perumal kneels on the ground holding on to a staff wrapped in red. his back is pierced with large hooks attached to ropes that will be tacked onto an ornately decorated chariot. surrounded by family members and friends, the procession begins, with perumal often stopping in trance to smoke a leaf cigar, dance and bless people.

soon we arrive at the foot of the 128-year-old sri subramaniar temple, spectacularly lit up on this night. the crowds jostle for a better view. the shrines on the shoulders of devotees move in accordance. the drums reach a crescendo.

the believer is ready to pay his penance, bearing his burden. a control of mind over matter to attain spiritual strength, enabling unimaginable feats. faith. ritual. culture. good over evil, always. vel!