Thaipusam happens on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. On this day, thousands of Hindu Devotees honours Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati.
It is believed that on this day, Parvati presented a spear to Murugan to vanquish an evil demon and combat its evil deeds.
Therefore, Thaipusam is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

Devotees prepare for Thaipusam by fasting for about a month or even longer.
On the day of the festival, they shave their heads, bear pots of milk, smash coconuts, pierce their bodies with sharp objects, carry Kevadis and undertake a pilgrimage from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at 397 Serangoon Road in the Little India district and concluding at Sri Thandayuthapani Temple on 15 Tank Road which is about five kilometres long.

Of all the events and festivals I covered so far as a photographer, I got to say that I love Thaipusam. I love the people, the energy and the overall spirit of the festival.

“This is the only time when one Indian steps on another Indian’s foot, they apologize to each other. Other times, they will fight.” 

I was probably 3 months into photography when I first covered Thaipusam.
It was one of those spontaneous moments of my life where I went, let’s do something crazy and cover a festival!
Back then, I was still struggling with my craft and have not got a clue as to what to expect. All I knew was that there will be people there and people is good.
So I went with my lovely mentor Mathias, and due to kiasu-ism carried a shit load of gear weighing a ton in my bag that allowed me to shoot birds and beyond.

When we got to the venue, we had to take our shoes off. I did that and cleverly left my socks on thinking that it will ‘protect my feet’ from god knows what I was walking on.

Mistake number one. I stepped on a puddle of water…

Walking with wet socks on was absolutely disgusting. I was surrounded by barefooted people left, right and centre and was so embarrassed as I saw how stupid my brilliant plan to ‘protect’ my feet was. I bent over, peeled off my socks and stuffed it in my Billingham. Bless that bag of mine.

Mat was probably laughing but I was terrified because I was in a completely different element! Heck I was shooting dolls just a couple of months back and now I am surrounded by a sea of Indians shouting, falling into trances and the only red Indian Chinese in sight told me:

Whatever you do, don’t get too close to them or not they will grab you and start piercing you.

I love my mentor…

I kind of screwed up this year by getting the timings wrong… I feel that my images are not as strong as compared to last year and just did not flow well:(
But ah wells. I guess I just have to stop complaining, get my butt out and start shooting.

When all is said and done, who is interested in a glamour photography session with me 8D Sorry guys, female only

Many thanks to this awesome group<3