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- Tuesday, January 21, 2003
The celebration of Thaipusam - 17th to the 19th of January
The most dramatic Indian festival is Thaipusam. Devotees go through a strict and careful spiritual preparation before embarking on a ritual journey of penitential selfmutilation. They pierce their bodies with metal hooks supporting heavy structures called kavadis decorated with peacock feathers and offerings. In their tranced state, not a drop of blood is shed as they process from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Tank Road (in front of our apartment building).
For me it's wonderful to see such true belief in a people's culture and religion. The festival is celebrated by both young and old. The music is rigorous and full of elation. The colours are vibrant and exotic. The joy and elation is immense. The passion and belief is unswaying. As an Australian, it makes me feel part of a very "wishy washy" culture.
Glen and Aaron, an old friend, working in singapore whose site I just discovered here by accident, also celebrate with words and pictures.
todays links:
mad: Imagine riding a bicycle across the US? Hmmm I find it hard to ride to the 7-11 This guy did it... [courtesy of DIK mugshots]
awesome photography: "girl power" by Lauren Greenfield
worthy: Add your eyes for a good cause to the Lighthouse for the blind. For each contribution to the "Eyes" Project, a donation will be made to "The Lighthouse for the Blind" in the name of "Eyes Around the Web". These donations will be made monthly for each set of eyes contributed,
and will be through the international branch of The Lighthouse.
illustrative genius: Look at the low fi excellence that is retard riot. Illustrations with a slight political bent from Noah Lyons.
I need to know more: found today by accident following a posting on k10k [a link from buzzard] I came across boxer cafe. Where is it? What is it? I want to go there... (what language is this site in???)
diaryupdates: 13 days to go.
try and try again : Please put yourself on my guestmap
Also its getting to be the last chance for you to request passwords for my travelogue. Email me if you want to know more.
posted by jen @ 3:23 AM
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