This morning I had the opportunity to experience Thaipusam. We walked along the route with the devotees and then walked through the temple. It was such an amazing experience to see all the beautiful colors, hear the music and feel the energy. It was an experience I will not forget. Below is a description of the festival from Wikepedia followed by my photos from today. 

"Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting approximately 48 days before Thaipusam. Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and take only pure, Satvik food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God.

On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi (burdens). At its simplest this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common.

The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders, to the temple. In addition, some have a small spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. The spear pierced through his tongue or cheeks reminds him constantly of Lord Murugan. It also prevents him from speaking and gives great power of endurance.On Thaipusam day, hundreds of devotees offer prayers either by piercing their body with spikes and lemon, pulling a chariot or carrying Kavadis from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. The devotees then offer their prayers and fulfill their vows. The Vel (holy spear) in the sanctum is showered with milk continuously for hours." 

This man actually pulled the cart at one point, but when he wasn't the man behind him pulled on the hooks continuously 

Taking a rest near the end of the walk.

These pots were for milk to be poured over The Vel (Holy Spear)

The entrance to the temple.

The Vel (Holy Spear) is at the top of the stairs where the two men in yellow are standing. The devotees bring the pots of milk and the men pour it over the Holy Spear.

Removing the spikes after walking through the temple.

The top piece of one of the Kavadis that the men wear.