PhotoSafari is bringing you another exciting Festive Event that allows you to get close to the action. You may have seen this Thaipusam festive celebration from afar but have you wondered what it is like to be part of the Festive Celebrations. Here is your chance to document this Thaipusam Festival that has made its way into Lonely Planet’s “Year of Festivals” book and one of the must see Festivals of the World.
You will be paired with Tamil families celebrating Thaipusam and document them as they journeyed through a 3 days of complex religious rituals. You will be shuttering back and forth witnessing the preparation and rituals of the Temple and the participating families. There will be lots of photo opportunities to take on the festive mood too. You will be securing a front seat to this event with the necessary security passes and a well planned itinerary.
We, PhotoSafari is working together with Pix Works (a hardcore member of the PMPE Alumni) to bring you into the insights of more must see “Best Festivals of the World” in the near future.
About Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu Festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (around Jan/Feb). Tamil communities in Malaysia celebrate it in a grand scale.
At the heart of the celebration, is the Batu Caves of Malaysia. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.
Origins of Thaipusam
Skanda (or Murugan) was created during one of the battles between the Asuras and the Devas. At one point, the Devas were defeated several times by the Asuras. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and begged Shiva to give them an able leader under who could lead them to victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces, and to recognize that day the people created the Thaipusam festival.
In modern day Thaipusam, Tamil Devotees will often make a wish, and upon fulfillment of this wish they will offer thanks to the Lord Murugan.
An exciting Photography opportunity to witness and document this festival first hand
PhotoSafari and Pix Works have organized a unique photo and video opportunity for those who want to witness and document the Thaipusam festival up close and personal. We have made arrangements with a few Tamil families to document their journey as they celebrate the Thaipusam Festival. Our English-speaking Guide will take you through this unique and colourful festival as it goes along. It will be an opportunity to understand the rare insights of this truly one of a kind International Festival of the World.
Thaipusam Festival is usually held over a 3-day period and we will take you to be part of the celebration.
Itinerary.
25th January 2013
- Meet up at the Airport (LCCT or KLIA)
- Check in at Hotel
- Rest
- Tea reception and briefing of the events that followed
- Tour of Chinatown.
- Local dinner at China Town.
- Proceed to Chariot Procession after dinner at the Jalan Bandar Mariamman Temple
26th Jan.
- Follow the Chariot procession thru the streets of Kuala Lumpur
- Catch the morning sunrise as the procession continues.
- Breakfast
- Transfer to Batu Caves to witness the Thaipusam eve and Kavadi preparations
- Back to hotel in mid morning
- Lunch
- Catch up with some rest
- Dinner at Putrajaya
- Night Shooting at Putrajaya.
27th Jan
- 3.30am morning call
- 4.00am transfer to Batu Caves
- Witness the bathing ritual
- Packed breakfast
- Witness the preparation of the Kavadi bearers
- Follow the Kavadi procession.
- Lunch on the way
- Follow the Kavadi procession as it winds through the streets
- Sunset shoot of the procession
- Dinner
- Back to the hotel
28th Jan
- 4am morning call
- 5am Meet up with the Chariot Procession as it makes its way back to the Jalan Bandar Mariamman Temple
- Breakfast
- Rest
- Check out of Hotel
- Transfer to Airport.
Note: This itinerary is subject to adjustment depending on the ground conditions.
If you require furhter information please email to: [email protected]
