The Taipusam holiday is difficult to compare with anything in terms of the severity of impressions. He is especially revered by Hindus in Malaysia.
The celebration begins at five in the morning. A silver chariot, entwined with garlands of flowers, on which the statue of Saint Subramaniam rises, surrounded by a crowd of thousands, opens a solemn procession. They go to the sacred site of Batu Caves (Stone Caves).
According to legend, Saint Subramaniam fulfills even impossible desires. But in order to turn to a saint in Taipus, one must have a rare courage.
Men carry coconuts. After a while, they break them and offer a clear liquid to the priests, asking for their blessings. The women and children are holding small jugs of honey and milk, intended for Saint Subramaniam. Many men have heavy kawadis on their shoulders. This word means "sacrifice at every step." The iron arc surrounds the person holding it like a halo. Metal chains or knitting needles with hooks at the ends go down the entire length at a short distance to the center. These hooks, stuck to the chest of the walker, hold the kawadi firmly. At the very top, well fortified, there are vessels with milk, in which the statue of Saint Subramaniam will be washed later. Even children sometimes carry such kavadis, and those walking nearby shout to them: "Vel-Vel", which means "spear". For those who carry kavadi, there is another test:you need to pierce the tongue or cheek with a sharp needle.
When the so-called needles, more like lances or knives, are brought up, the cries of the crowd intensify. Children, rolling their eyes and imitating adults, go into a trance. If even a little blood appears when piercing the tongue or cheek, those around them sympathize with the evil person - after all, his vow was not taken by Saint Subramaniam.
Preparation for the ordeal begins in two months. You can only eat rice and vegetables, and for the last five days - milk and bananas. They prepare themselves for the moment when the spirit of Saint Subramaniam will move into them. This should happen during the vow, that is, when the kavadi is strengthened on the body. If at this moment even a drop of blood appears, everything is in vain. This means that during these two months the person has defiled his soul with something.
On the day of the holiday, a huge crowd approaches Batu Caves. An unforgettable sight. In a huge rock, as high as a fifty-story building, more than 270 steps have been cut almost vertically. They lead upstairs, where the cave entrance is buried in garlands of orchids and magnolias. At the bottom of the rock are carpets of flowers laid out with intricate ornaments.
The already stuffy air becomes hotter from the hot bodies. Those who carry kavadi sing, raising the strength of the spirit and their faith. A special vow is also fulfilled here. Three men are holding long paranga knives with their points up. Some who carry kavadis carefully step only on the paranga, without touching the steps with their feet, and go upstairs. The knives are quickly moved from one step to another, facilitating the long journey for the brave believers. Not a drop of blood, and the thin edge of the parang resembles the edge of a razor! Climbing upstairs, many say prayers or perform a ritual dance, and then, exhausted, fall to their knees.
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Call it what you want: magic, divination, ineradicable belief in miracles, but it exists and lives in the souls of hundreds of thousands of people.
From the book: "100 Great Holidays". Elena Olegovna Chekulaeva