The Men Who Carry Thaipusam
Kavadi porters are the quiet ones
During Thaipusam, over a million Hindu devotees throng Batu Caves, climbing a 272-step stairs up to the mouth of the caves to visit the shrine of Lord Muruga within. Many of these devotees will carry a physical burden – called a kavadi – as an act of penance.
The kavadi porters are the ones tacitly tailing their employers, making sure the kavadi is well balanced and the pilgrim bearing it comfortable. And at the end of the journey, kavadi porters mount the kavadi on their own shoulders and take the pilgrimage in reverse – they need to carry the kavadi back down on behalf of their employers. They repeat this pilgrimage up to 10 times over Thaipusam season.
Ahead of Thaipusam, these porters often undertake similar spiritual preparations as the pilgrims themselves – including fasting 48 days in advance, and meditating regularly. It’s as much an act of devotion as it is employment.
#CoverStory: Kavadi Careers
Meet the kavadi porters of Thaipusam, the men who find spiritual fulfilment in helping pilgrims complete their journeys.
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The Men Who Carry ThaipusamDuring #Thaipusam, most people are fascinated by the pilgrims' extraordinary acts of devotion in carrying their giant kavadis – physical burdens – up the 272-steps to the temple at Batu Caves.Kavadi porters, however, make that same trip, carrying the kavadi back to where the pilgrimage began all on their own, as often as five times a day. Read the full story at http://rage.com.my/thaipusam.Please watch, like, share and comment! We'd love to hear what you guys think.
Posted by R.AGE on Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Live from Batu Caves
Our live social media posts while filming throughout Thaipusam. Follow us!
Paalkudam, which translates to a milk offering, is seen with this girl who appears to be in a trance. More live videos at rage.com.my/thaipusam#RAGEatThaipusam #Thaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
Even at midnight, the crowd just kept pouring in with even bigger kavadis. More live videos at rage.com.my/thaipusam#RAGEatThaipusam #Thaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
That's all we have from our experience at this year's #Thaipusam. Thanks for tuning in & have a great Monday! Here's...
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
Half an hour and two kilometres later, Pubalan finally got a break. It was his first trip of the day, with one more to...
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
Up at the temple, kavadi porter, Pubalan takes over the kavadi from a devotee before bringing it back down. More live videos at rage.com.my/thaipusam#RAGEatThaipusam #Thaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
Sun is down and even more people are at Sungai Batu to cleanse themselves ahead of their prayers and pilgrimage. More live videos at rage.com.my/thaipusam#RAGEatThaipusam #Thaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
During breaks, kavadi porters will feed the pilgrims water and massage their legs to ensure their comfort. More live videos at rage.com.my/thaipusam#RAGEatThaipusam #Thaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Sunday, January 24, 2016
Kavadi carriers often engage traditional drum troupes to accompany them during their pilgrimage. The rhythms performed can help the devotees enter a state of trance. #RAGEatThaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016
Some devotees go a step further and get piercings as a form of penance. Apart from piercing their backs, some pierce their chest, tongue and cheek.#RAGEatThaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016
Oranges and limes, which symbolise purification, are hooked onto the devotees. #RAGEatThaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016
A devotee in trance blesses a baby during his procession. #RAGEatThaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016
The devotees, who are about to carry kavadis, cleanse themselves by the Sungai Batu before the morning prayer.#RAGEatThaipusam
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016
Happy Thaipusam everyone! We are here at Batu Caves, where over 1.6 million visitors are expected this year. Devotees...
Posted by R.AGE on Saturday, January 23, 2016