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A worshipper of Muruga, one of the favorite deities of Tamil-speaking Hindus. The form of worship happens during the celebration known as Thaipoosam. Devotees may pierce themselves with lances (vel) as a sign of devotion or as a sign of penance. This form of spear through the tongue/cheeks constantly reminds the devotee of the Lord, prevents speaking and is said to give power of endurance. The vel is also symbolic of the spear that Lord Muruga carries and uses to destroy evil demons. This festivity is found wherever large populations of Tamil Hindus are found.....India, Sri Lanka, Malayasia, Singapore and beyond.
Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, March 2008
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