1.
LS Crowd and traffic.
0.06

2.
CU Child's head shaven.
0.12

3.
CU Old devotee pierces face with spike.
0.19

4.
MS Child bathed.
0.24

5.
CU Devotee in trance.
0.29

6.
TILT FROM..top of kavadi to devotee.
0.32

7.
CU Devotee's body pierced with spikes.
0.38

8.
LS Procession.
0.43

9.
MLS Chariot in procession.
0.55

10.
LS Kavadi-carrying devotee.
1.00

11.
MS Ditto.
1.05

12.
LS Crowd at Grotto Temple steps.
1.12

13.
MS Ditto.
1.16

14.
CU Devotee climbs steps.
1.21

15.
Ditto.
1.24

16.
LS Crowd climbs steps.
1.29

17.
CU Devotees give alms.
1.33

18.
CU Devotee climbs steps.
1.38

19.
MS Devotees inside temple.
1.41

20.
MLS Incense burnt.
1.47

21.
LS Crowd in Grotto Temple.
1.52



Initials S-D/V/AW/PB



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Thaipusam Day is the Hindu penance festival - a day of mystical rites that have amazed non-Hindus for many centuries, when mind over matter eliminates pain and suffering. Kuala Lumpur's Malaya Indian community performed its annual rites, Feb.11.

In thanksgiving for prayers answered, one member of each family submits to this terrifying ordeal. Preparatory ceremonies of smearing the body with ash, accompanied by rhythmic singing and the burning of intoxicating incense, induce a trance in the devotees, forming a barrier against pain.

Each penitent then takes up his burden - the Kavadi, a 30lb wood and metal framework of terrible spikes that pierce the skin. But no blood is drawn.

Bearing his load the devotees starts the seven-mile pilgrimage along Kuala Lumpur's busy asphalted roads to Grotto Temple.

At the temple of penance there's a long climb up hundreds of steep stairs. There is the kavadi is discarded, the annual penance over and the gods propitiated.