Navan's carrying the kavadi for the second time in his life..

We were invited by him to accompany him on his journey of faith..

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Thaipusam 2010..

This festival celebrates the birthday of Murugan..

On this occasion, Hindus show the sincerity of their faith..

It is a time where devotees pray for divine help and make vows,

fulfilling them when their prayers are answered..

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The type of kavadi Navan was carrying is called the vel kavadi..

It's essentially a portable altar about two meters tall, decorated with peacock feathers and attached to him through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and back..

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He was also pierced through his cheeks and tongue.. Ouch!

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Others carried pots of milk on their heads.. I love the yellow..

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It was very much a family affair..

See the little feet peeking out of the bundle?

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The journey starts from the Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Little India

and proceeds to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road..

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Navan in a trance..

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Can you spot the Chinese girl on the right? That's Huimin barefooted..

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At 3am this morning with Roman and Huimin!

Where were you AH SU?

For every major ethnic festival, you will catch UNCLE in a whacky costume..

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It's a giant mandarin orange on his head for CNY this time round!

If I remember correctly, it was a giant ingot previously..

Where does he get all these whacky costumes from?

Finally.. I have found the song I have been searching for..

Couldn't remember the title but only the tune.. But thanks to Youtube I found it!

SELF CONTROL (1984) by Laura Branigan (Jul 3, 1957 - Aug 26, 2004)

O how retro the song.. When we were still using cassette tapes then.. Those were the days..

It's my last term in NUS..

Currently working on my dissertation with no time for myself..

Here's a retro song.. It takes the stress off me..

Maria Magdalena by Sandra..

Forever Young, I wanna be forever young..

It's been a very long time since I've heard this song and it reminds me of my childhood..