Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindus to honour Lord Murugan, a son of Shiva. Festivities are marked by chariot processions and kavadi carrying, where the bearers usually have spikes and metal hooks pierced into their bodies like this devotee. Devotees usually fast up to 48 days before to prepare for this amazing feat. This photo is taken at this year's Thaipusam procession in Singapore.