It's a Family Day

The third day some one million Hindus converge to pay homage to Lord Muruga.

Devotees fast for 30 or 40 days prior to Thaipusam as a cleansing ritual.

Several thousand kavadi bearers some with their bodies pearced go from the river up the 272 steps to the shrine of Lord Muruga.

The bearers dance their way in a trance through the crowds to the chanting of "Vel, Vel" and the beating of drums.

The whole scene is a cacaphony of colors, music & devotional chants.