Thaipusam 2019 | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | Cinematic Video | A7iii & Sigma Art 50mm F/1.4

Thaipusam is observed by Hindus all over the world in the month of "Thai" in the Tamil calendar to commemorate the act of Goddess Parvathi presenting the "vel" (lance} to her son Lord Muruga as an embodiment of her "shakti" or power to vanquish the evil Soorapadman and restore peace and wellbeing.
Various activities were lined up for the occasion, including some carrying well-decorated "kavadi", specifically the "Paal Kudam" bearing pots of milk as an offering to Lord Muruga to fulfil their vows.
Several devotees also took part in a ritual of shaving their heads bald as an act of plea to the deity.

Not only men but also women and infants may partake in the ritual, in which their scalp will first be rubbed with yellow turmeric before shaving to prevent irritation or infection.