Thaipusam Valthukal!

February 9, 2017 11:40 PM

The Men Who Carry Thaipusam In honour of the religious festival of Thaipusam (which was yesterday in this part of the world), Malaysia's The Star prepared a multimedia piece on a little-known aspect of the festival, the kavadi porters. What is Thaipusam? A quick primer. And an interesting list for those who already have some familiarity: Do you know what this day is all about? [previously]
posted by cendawanita (5 comments total)

This year as well, artist Ruby Subramaniam did a series titled 'This Body Is Mine', in reaction to threats by Hindu fundamentalists who claimed to be upset by the saris worn by women during the festival.
posted by cendawanita at 12:22 AM on February 10, 2017 [2 favorites]

The porter video was great--such a warm portrait of the thoughtfulness and hard work behind making the event go well for everyone. Thanks for the other links too!
posted by Wobbuffet at 12:26 AM on February 10, 2017 [1 favorite]

My first thought was "finally, somebody knowledgeable has done a post about Thaipusam, one of the most fascinating religious traditions in the world! I wonder why nobody wrote one sooner." Then I saw the previously link. Then I saw who posted that earlier FPP. Then I was like "what the hell is going on in my brain?"

Anyhow, excellent links. Agreed that the porter video is especially great.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:44 PM on February 10, 2017 [1 favorite]

Kataragama is the epicenter of Murugan worship in Sri Lanka. Said to be his abode after leaving his father Shiva's home in Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas, Kataragama lies on the same longitude in the southeastern corner of Lanka. Murugan's journey is commemorated yearly in a foot pilgrimage or Pada Yatra from Jaffna down the entire eastern seaboard of the island. Amazingly, Kataragama is also home to Buddhist, Muslim and indigenous traditions that intertwine in mysterious ways.
posted by BinGregory at 11:27 PM on February 10, 2017

If You’ve Never Been To Thaipusam At Batu Caves, You’d Want To After Seeing This - quick fluffy photoessay from this year's celebrations.
posted by cendawanita at 10:11 PM on February 12, 2017