Celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community in Malaysia Thaipusam is a colourful and extravagant affair. It is a celebration of Murugan’s birthday (Shiv and Parvathi’s son) and also the victory of the good over evil.
As the story goes Murugan used the Vel (Spear) that Parvathi gave him to gain control over Asuras(demons) by turning them into a peacock and a hen. The peacock then became Murugan’s throne.
More pictures and details about Thaipusam and it’s celebration can be found here.
Thaipusam is truly a reflection of how festivals are celebrated in India – the devotees in trance supporting the Kavadi’s on their pierced bodies.