Batu Caves Local Customs

Free charity foods is here for everybody to grab but the big poster says only 2 packs each person, otherwise peoples can simply ask for 100 packs. Peoples ate and just dump on the street, making the entire scene even more like real. I saw some big garbage trucks standing by to wait for clearing, so probably the reason why peoples just dump anywhere.

Here you can see how they (festive performers) carry their big heavy creative frameworks all the way steps up the caves. They need to rest in the staircase, that's why it takes long time, but it won't bore you because too many peoples to see. My eyes and camera were too busy capturing all the new images.

I saw a devotee in full needles on his body with only a short pants and painted himself grey colors, he is definitely one of the festive day performers. You can see some peoples beside him, that's his gang to help him guide the way or provide drinks and this that during his long walk towards the top of the caves steps.

You can have your hairstyle turn into this on Thaipusam day. I saw probably 1 in every ten peoples had their hair shaven off this way and colored using some kind of dye to make their head look like this. Some women did this too in complete bald, kids too. Tourists sure can have a try.

For tourists who want to ask me whether it is safe enough to visit this festival in Batu Caves, look for yourself of how many policemen and security guys around. This picture is at the main entrance, you can see there are shady underneath the big door arch, that's where you can evade some heat, but I don't think you need it.

I make sure I don't go on this special festive with car, I rode my motorbike to avoid getting myself stuck in the horrible traffic. I parked my bike at the roadside provided by the policemen only for this day. So many security personnels, tourists sure can rest assure.

Aerial view taken from the flyover bridge. This picture is to show tourists if you want to ask me how many peoples are there on the festival day of Thaipusam. You can see it is roughly this many. Get ready your best camera to fight for the best shot, hahaha.

Local Malaysian-Chinese already so much blended into this festival ritual to self perform on the day. This group is from Subang, I knew it from their printed yellow t-shirts. Back in my Penang days when a friend of mine also very much believe in Hindu rituals for good fortune. He told me he already book himself on the coming year's ritual. Asked why he want to do this, he explained he believe the Hindu Aangkong (Hindu God) has the power to make him success in his money making dream and also for sin cleansing purposes.