I was still having breakfast when I got word that this was the day; the festival was on. I grabbed my camera and walked a few metres to the temple in the next block. Fortunately I was late. I did not have to witness the pushing of the rods through the cheeks. My breakfast stayed in place and I was able to get some good shots.
Apparently this festival celebrates the birthday of the goddess Sri Muthu Mariamman Thiruvizha, known as Amman for short. My friends tell me that the masochism is a form of penance. It seems that only men are bad enough to warrant this kind of punishment.
If you thought there were going to be photos of me here—sorry. Look, I'll be good. I promise I will.
Sure, it looks like he is holding the rod in his mouth. Believe me, it goes through his cheeks.
These guys appear to be in a trance and are trying to get away from their handlers who are pulling them back—fortunately by their clothes more than the hooks.
In case you doubt the hooks go through the skin.
The bull seems quite unconcerned but shortly he and his friend will have the honour of pulling the goddess' carriage.
And the band played on.
Above from top
The goddess in her place of honour for the procession.
This is called a kavadi. It comprises long fine rods that are held in place at one end by hooks in his body. The oranges are also hooked onto him, as are the arm ornaments. But if he is really into masochism why is there padding on his shoulders?
No big deal—maybe he was only a little bad. This guy has limes hooked to his back.
I can see these becoming fashionable in the west. When you've already had your lip, your tongue, belly-button and who knows what else pierced, why not nail-soled thongs?
The women and the kids don't have to go through all the pain. They just carry milk to pour over the statue of the goddess. Now that seems really sensible to me.
© copyright John Shield 2003, 2004