Thaipusam Diya
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:06am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Captured this shot in the first temple closest to the Batu Caves 272 step stairways. These diyas look like Tibetan Buddhist Butter Lamps.
A diya, divaa, deepam, or deepak is a lamp made usually of clay, with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee or vegetable oils. Source: Wikipedia
Breaking Old Coconuts
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 9:51am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
The breaking of old coconuts along the road where the chariot of Lord Murugan passes is a ritual that is carried out one day before Thaipusam. The coconut water is meant to wash clean the roads.
Precision
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:11am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A Nepalese foreign worker helping himself with pots Bindi.
According to the 2001 census, 80.6 percent of Nepalese are Hindu, 10.7 percent are Buddhist, 10% are Muslim, 3.6 percent are Kirat (an indigenous religion with Hindu influence), 0.5 percent are Christian, and 0.4 percent are classified as other groups such as Bön religion. Source: Wikipedia
Support
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:38am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 450
An old lady getting a helping hand from her relative.
Most devotees will start fasting a month or two before Thaipusam. They will follow strictly a vegetarian diet. Some even sleep on the hard floor for months preparing themselves for the day. So, it's not as easy as I expected!
Faithful Devotees
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:50am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
A whooping 1.7 million people visited Batu Caves for Thaipusam 2010 celebration (in just four days). That's AMAZING!!!
Did you notice something about the devotees? No shoes! The staircase leading to the top of the cave is considered sacred to Hindus.
Ready To Go
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:14am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 320
A devotee walking along the temple before making her way up 272 steps.
Up, Up & Away!
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 11:03am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 800
A man carrying a box load of stuff. Nice head balance :)
Step By Step
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 11:05am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 800
A tourist walking down the stairway.
Almost There
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 12:00pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 250
Another devotee reaching to the top of the cave.
Stop There!
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 12:06pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
This man was alerted by his friend that mylo was taking pictures. He turned his back and let me snapped some pictures :)
We're Right Behind You :)
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:52am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
Concerned family members making sure this girl is OK.
Lord Muruga And His Vel
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 12:24pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
There are several temples dedicated to Lord Murugan in Malaysia, the most famous being the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur.
The Vel (Tamil: வேல்) is the divine javelin/spear of the Hindu deity Murugan. In the Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati presented the Vel to her son Murugan as an emobodiment of her Shakthi (Power and Energy) to vanquish the evil asura Soorapadman.
The annual Thaipusam festival celebrates the occasion when Murugan received the divine Vel from his mother. Source: Wikipedia
The Inner Cave
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 11:23am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The inner limestone cave is beautiful! There is a big opening. You can see many skillful rock climbing macaques at the inner cave.
Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian trader. He was inspired by the 'vel'- shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga within the caves.
In 1891, Pillai, who also founded the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, installed the murti (consecrated statue) of Sri Subramania Swamy in what is today known as the Temple Cave. Since 1892, the Thaipusam festival in the Tamil month of Thai (which falls in late January/early February) has been celebrated there. The limestone forming Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old. Source: Wikipedia
Sparkling Gold
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 9:30am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A newer temple with ornate roofs.
Choo Choo Cars
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 9:37am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Some traditional rides for kiddos.
Starship Troopers
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 9:39am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A colorful ride.
Challenger...Anyone?
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 9:25am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
The name Challenger.....reminds me of The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986.
Donation Box
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 10:06am
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Slot your coins and ringgit notes to donate to the temple.
Perfect Fit
Location: Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: 27th January 2010 (Wednesday), 12:33pm
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
An Indian hawker (selling trinkets and accessories) fitting a bracelet on a little girl.
That's all for Thaipusam 2010. Thanks for visiting :) Remember to scroll down to check out some wonderful videos about Thaipusam 2010 celebration! Also, you may want to check out some informative blog articles, especially Durai's Thaipusam
Last Updated 2nd February 2010 (10:13p.m.)
Batu Caves - Getting There:
Batu Caves is located in Gombak district, which is accessible through Jalan Kuching and Middle Ring Highway. The easiest way to get to Batu Caves is to take the KTM commuter train from KL Sentral station to the Sentul Station.
Otherwise you can catch a bus from downtown KL, click here for more info on buses to Batu Caves.
During Thaipusam, there are many public buses that take you there from Puduraya and Kotaraya. Just look out for signs indicating Batu Caves. The LRT and KTM also operates till late to accommodate passengers.
For more information, call KTM at +6 03 2267 1200 or visit http://www.ktmb.com.my/
Batu Caves - Google Maps:
Thaipusam 2010 - YouTube Videos:
2010 Thapusam Dates Extended - Courtesy of TheStarOnline
Excellent Thaipusam 2010 Footage - Courtesy of RUNWITME
- http://tinyurl.com/yglpkwu (Hindus Celebrate Colourful Thaipusam, AFP Reports)
- http://tinyurl.com/yzsrwta (Malaysia Hindus Celebrate Thaipusam, Reuter Reports)
- http://tinyurl.com/y8qlqla (All About Thaipusam, Documentary by Hindusim Today)
- http://tinyurl.com/yf6xozh (Thaipusam 2010 In Penang - Beyond Races)
Batu Caves & Thaipusam - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Caves (Wikipedia Article About Batu Caves)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaipusam (Wikipedia Article About Thaipusam)
- http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MCUL_thaipusam.htm (Article From Journey Malaysia)
- http://tinyurl.com/ycbslxo (Read All My Articles About Batu Caves)
- http://hinduism.about.com/od/pongal/a/thaipusam.htm (Thaipusam: The Murugan Festival)
- http://tinyurl.com/yaxcsbj (For the Love of God This Thaipusam by Celeste Goh)
- http://tinyurl.com/yzaxfpc (1.7 million throng Hindu shrine in Malaysia)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vel (Wikipedia Article About Lord Murugan's Vel)
- http://tinyurl.com/yhtx7ed (Durai's first experience on his Kavadi piercing)
You framed inner cave cleverly. ;-)
Re: Beauty of Britain / 英国之美 / Keindahan Britain / 英国の美しさ
I have never been to Malham yet. There are still a lot of places I haven't seen in Britain...
The Old Man of Storr got the first prize.
Re: Hello Saitama! Hello Tokyo! / 埼玉 你好！东京 你好！ / Helo Saitama! Helo Tokyo! / さいたま 今日は！東京 今日は！
The Japanese marching band was just a small part of the big parade. I still got tons of pictures to show you guys... ;-)
Re: Why is English language so important? / 为何英语如此重要？ / Mengapakah Bahasa Inggeris begini penting? / どうして英語はそんなに大切ですか。
It's more impressive if you see them right in front of your eyes, because you can also see the Royal Albert Hall.
love the first diya picture! erm well the little amusement park looks pretty nice!! new and clean =p thanks for the offer... will give you a buzz when i wanna go to batu caves :)
I love your blog, the design and the color full images.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi! Amazing Thaipusam series! Love it!
I didn't go up the steps this year! Will be back next year!
Check out my video here. :)
http://runwitme.blogspot.com/2010/02/thaipusam-2010-batu-caves-kuala-lumpur.html
The custom of Breaking the old coconuts is really interesting! On the YouTube video you played- I bet it must be difficult walking on the broken coconuts shells :) Excellent photos, so beautiful and colorful! Look forward to reading more of your posts!
omg..
there is a fun fair in Batu Caves??!!
i pass through that road almost every weekend..
but just didnt realise....
SUP!!! long time! Roke here, or now people call me King. Pun on the name, really. Getting used to Methodist and the teachers not bad la... take care....
cheers friend.
KiNG
Wah! So many comments!! Thanks for visting and leaving your comments :)
Let me start with:
1ondoncaller
Actually, I wanna cover more of the inner cave...but my 'lauyah' basic Nikon D60 can only handle that much of space.
Britain is so BEAUTIFUL! I can only see the beauty from your pictures. Sigh....I wish I could forget everything and travel the world. Anyway, you've done a great job promoting UK.
fufu
The diya shot was a spontaneous shot. The devotees were looking at me - puzzled at my craze over these diyas :)
Actually the funfair is a temporary setup as part of the Thaipusam celebration. It will be dismantled later because it is occupying nearly the entire parking bay in Batu Caves.
Will wait for fufu to return to Malaysia. You'll LOVE the Batu Caves experiences :)
Vigor
Welcome to my photo and travel blog!
Thanks for your wonderful comments!!
WOW! I just visited your blog :) The sunset shot at Sentosa Beach is AWESOME!!!
Will be checking out your blog for more!!
RunWitMe
Thanks for visiting my blog articles!
Whoah! You've captured awesome shots of kavadi bearers!
Nice video!!! I've added your YouTube video link in my article :)
Micki
Thank you for your kind comments!
My goodness...I've not seen all the videos I added in this post. I got BORADBAND instead of Broadband for so many days :)
Carmen
It's a temporary funfair. It will be dismantled after the celebration.
Anon
Glad to hear from you that you're ENJOYING Methodist High School :) Remember to study hard! This is one of the BEST school in Klang Valley. Best wishes from me :)
Okay...done with my replies :)
Cheers to all!
mylo
And I have to say you've captured some of the most beautiful images I've seen yet so far. Wish I have someone like to take pictures for my event during Thaipusam, would have rolled out beautifully :P
Anyway, I think better shots could be the kavadi bearers, the piercing rituals and so on. It would definitely reflect the entire process of what people do during Thaipusam.
Nevertheless, I must say you're an excellent photographer(especially the lady picture carrying milk pot :P) , and I wish you luck in taking the best shots:)
Very nice shots of the people at Batu Caves. Nice to see you have been busy capturing the moments.
Regards,
David
Malaysia Asia
Durai
Welcome to my photo and travel blog!
WOW! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! Actually, I'm just a hobbyist photographer. Not a pro :) I'm glad that you like the pictures.
I missed the real Thaipusam day....I only went for the Pre-Thaipusam celebration (3 days before the actual celebration). Many Paal Kudam bearers but few kavadi bearers. I would LOVE to cover the actual event (on the day itself) in 2011! Missed out a great photo opportunity. Perhaps Durai can invite me to cover your preparation next year :)
Anyway, you will love this! Check out this photographer. One of the BEST Thaipusam 2010 pictures I've seen in my life!!
Here is the link:
http://tinyurl.com/ye9vnx3
David
Thanks!
Cheers!
mylo
Re: Sichuan Opera Dance / 俏花旦 / Tarian Opera Sichuan / 俏花旦
The headgear was real, taken from a type of pheasant. Which type? That I don't know. Maybe, golden pheasant. You can check online later and let me know if you agree with me.
I noticed the new layout "squished" my photos making them look a bit funny... I'll try it again, it the problem still occurs, I will change a new layout. ;-)
very nice pictures, can give me quite clear picture in my mind about this festival. It's seem, I was there with you and see this festival
excellent shots , i plan to go there also but my car , laptop , desktop broke down . to make matter worst i had to stay in the office till 5 am in the morning due to work commitment during thaipusam eve. what a week!!
would really like to visit thaipusam on the day before or actual day at least once. think it's one of the most colourful religous events in malaysia - but like urself i wasn't sure if i could get through the crowds. and for me i feel 'ouch' for alot of the deeds done. i recall the lady selling anklets - saw her there when i visited batu caves before.
1ondoncaller
WOW! Real pheasant feathers? That's interesting!
I think your new layout is OK. Your layout will definitely support multiple screen resolutions including 800 x 600 pixels.
bali tours
Welcome to my photo and travel blog.
Thank you for your kind comments :)
lechua
I'll visit Batu Caves on Thaipusam eve and and the actual day for year 2011!! I missed the amazing photo opportunities!
Whoah! You still remember that lady? That's AWESOME! First time seeing her in Batu Caves.
Cheers to all!
mylo
i remember coz i captured a photo of her and her stall during my batu caves visit awhile back at http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2009/10/21/batu-caves/
nicely done, i will visit thaipusam again on 2011!