One of the world’s biggest Thaipusam celebrations

One of the world’s biggest Thaipusam celebrations, amazingly, isn’t in india, but in Malaysia. Come to the Batu Caves Temple during Thaipusam, and you’ll withness 1.2 million people rejoicing. The celebrations start in Kuala Lumpur‘s Chinatown where the magnificent chariot of Lord Muruga emerges from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and travels in a colourful procession 13 kilometres to the Batu Caves Temple. Throught the procession, you will see entranced devotees carrying kavadis with hooks and skewers impaling their bodies, tongues and cheeks in thanksgiving to Lord Muruga. There will also be thousands of drummers, chanting pilgrims, even volunteers who will offer you free vegetarian food and drinks. Uniformed officers and first aid personnel will be there to ensure your safety. Upon reaching the towering limestone cliffs and the world’s tallest statue of Lord Muruga, devotees go up a 272-step staircase into massive caves. The most extraordinary thing? They feel absolutely no pain.