Admiration!

Today's Thaipusam. Well, I don't know exactly how this festivity evolved or how it originated. But I do know it's one of the central Hindu festivals, maybe second only to Deepavali in the local context. But looking at the scale of the celebrations in the evening around Dhoby Ghaut, I must say it is pretty moving and amazing to see so many devotees who took up the religious observance of carrying the kavadi. The kavadi's a metal structure shaped like a dome, on which are placed figures and representations of the Hindu deities. While being supported by resting on the shoulders, spikes are pierced into the body of the carriers. Of course, I won't be able to describe the experience or process since I've never been part of the Hindu community. I do believe there's a strong sense of pride in knowing a relative or member of the family undertaking such a holy task.

I was surprised on seeing two sights. One is a 80 year old man carrying the kavadi. The other being that some devotees, instead of carrying kavadis, might attach around 20 hooks on their back and pull altars of about 1m height along the way. And, I was told, some even walk on footwear full of spikes.

It came to my mind that the devotees' faith is so strong that they can bear the whole process. I have also heard that some go into a trance and do not feel pain. There are certainly some individuals who dance all along the journey, which makes the kavadi look really nice.

But the point is this...faith in something can hugely diminish negativities. When one is focused on one subject, all other matters can temporarily cease to matter or even exist. When I look at the 80 year old man...I also see what matters the most in this life. I see that it might be his last penance. No one can say for sure when we go. It might be his last wish. I won't speculate on the reason, but it must be overwhelmingly important to him to make this journey.

I wonder if, again, there is value to my existence...