Thaipusam at Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur

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Thaipusam is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations in Malaysia, perhaps second only to Deepavali. On Thaipusam day, it is not uncommon to find over a million devotees and thousands of curious onlookers participating in the festivals held in temples across the country. It is reported that celebration of Thaipusam in Malaysia began in 1892, led by the Tamils who migrated to Malaya at that time.
According to Hinduism, the story of Thaipusam began from the evil deeds of the rakshasha Soorapadman who terrorized and tormented all the good souls in the universe. Thaipusam is the festival to commemorate the event where Parvathi, the consort of the major Hindu deity Lord Siva, presents the newly-born Lord Murugan with a golden spear which was eventually used to vanquish the evil Soorapadman.
Although there are a number of Indian temples in the country that celebrate Thaipusam, the celebration in Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the biggest. On the eve of Thaipusam every year, a sea of devotees and tourists congregate at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, where a 15-km journey to the Batu Caves temple will begin.
Believers surround a chariot bearing a statue of Lord Murugan—usually kept in Sri Mahariamman Temple for most of the year—and escort it throughout the 8-hour journey towards Batu Caves. The procession is usually accompanied by music, religious and dance groups. After reaching Batu Caves, devotees will carry the idol up the 272 steps of the temple.
An important part of the Thaipusam festival is the Kavadi—a "physical burden" which devotees will carry through which they "implore help from the God Murugan." Some carry large jugs of milk, while others carry different offerings. However, for many people, the most memorable part of Thaipusam would certainly be the spectacular feats of the devotees in carrying the Vel Kavadi—a portable altar attached to the devotees with nothing but hooks and spears that pierce the skin.
Type of Kavadi
Below is a simplistic description of each type of Kavadi. Each has its own significance and depending on the person carrying and their vow, they can decide which one they would like to follow.
Mayil / Paal
This is the most popular form of kavadi and most often seen during Thaipusam. The kavadi is beautifully decorated with peacock feathers, flowers and other colourful ornaments. At the heart of this kavadi is usually a statue of a deity which the devotee chooses to carry. A small pot of milk is also tied to the kavadi as part of the offering.

Thol
Thol kavadi is the type of kavadi usually carried on the shoulder. It has a semicircular base, and is usually adorned with peacock feathers, glittering ornaments, decorations and flowers. A small pot with milk is attached to the Thol kavadi. An inverted “T” wood holds the decorated top. Attached to the base are hooks that are pierced into the devotee’s body.

Alavu
The Alavu Kavadi involves piercing of the tongue or cheek. The main concept of this type of Kavadi is to prevent the person immersed in the ritual to not speak and to derive endurance, energy and to focus on Lord Muruga.

Koodam Mul
Koodam Mul Kavadi involves offering the deity small pots of milk or fruits (Like apples, oranges, lime) which are tied to the hooks. The hooks are then pierced into the body.

Vettu Mul
Vettu Mul is one of the major forms of kavadi where the devotee will have hooks pierced to his body which are then attached to ropes. The ropes are pulled either by another person ( as a form of penance) or is tied to a chariot to be pulled.
Paal Kudam
The Pall Kudam is a pot filled with fresh cow’s milk and is carried on the shoulders or heads of the individual.