A Hindu devotee takes a ritual shower before starting her pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur

A Hindu devotee takes a ritual shower before starting her pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur February 3, 2015. Hindu devotees across Malaysia on Tuesday celebrated Thaipusam, a religious celebration dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. Piercing various parts of their body with silver skewers, devotees carry often large contraptions known as Kavadi, thereby taking on a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from Murugan. Devotees also fulfill vows by carrying milk-filled pots up the stairs to the cave temple. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (MALAYSIA – Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)