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Thaipusam in Penang(Also known as thaipusam in penang, penang festivals, hindu festivals)
Thaipusam (also referred to as Kavadi) is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. This occurs around january or February. Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. This is the 10th month of the Hindu calender.
Where The island of Penang, off the coast of Malaysia.
There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Penang to accomadate for the Kevadi Festival. Kavadi commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a lance to vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. After a blessing from their family members people prepare for the Vel Skewers. 
People will pray and fast. Others shave their head and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while carrying a kavadi- a burden. This can range from carrying a pot of milk to piercing, a mortification of the flesh, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers. 
Vel kavadi is essentially a portable altar up to two meters tall, decorated with peacock feathers and attached to the devotee through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and back. Fire walking and flagellation may also be practiced. It is claimed that devotees are able to enter a trance, feel no pain, do not bleed from their wounds and have no scars left behind.
Kavadi is an true experience in any Hindu community, especially on the island of Penang off the coast of Malaysia. People come from all over the world to see the devoted followers in Penang.
Airports Penang International Airport is 16km south of Georgetown. However there is more chance of flying internationally into Kuala Lumpar and getting a connecting flight. 
During Thaipusam in Penang Sick people are paraded to the Waterford Temple in Penang. Many tourists come to Penang to take part in the world famous ceremony. Tourist Visas are $17.50 Baht for a single entry. $37.50 for a double entry. Non Immigrant Visas are $20.00. Should I tip ? No, most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge plus 5% Government tax. Weather Warm throughout the year (25 to 31 degrees Celcius)and during Thaipusam in Penang. Nights are slightly cooler, and rainfall is quite evenly distributed throughout the year, with more rain from September to November. Festival Pig Fact 60% of the population are Chinese and the median age is 27. Portuguese merchants used Penang as a stopover point on the way to India. It was their little slice of paradise. Such relaxing points include Penang's Batu Ferringhi beach.
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All photos are compliments of our good friends My Island Penang Nyonyapearl is passionate about her little island Penang in Malaysia. Read about her island's culture, tradition and local festivals they have.
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