Thaipusam is one of Malaysia's most powerful Hindu celebrations. Thousands come together to honour Lord Murugan, carrying offerings and fulfilling personal vows through acts of devotion. A tradition shaped by sacrifice and community.

The Thaipusam ceremony is all about devotion, faith and sacrifice. Devotees honour Lord Murugan through prayer and offerings. Some carry a kavadi or pierce their skin as part of a personal promise or to show gratitude. It can be physically challenging, but for devotees it is an important way to express their faith and take part in a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Arriving in Malaysia for the first time and immediately bumping into the Thaipusam ceremony was a true gift. The sounds, the sense of family, the love between people, the scents and colours, the sheer intensity of it all. It filled me with such joy. The offerings people made, the willingness to endure pain, to walk through the long night - it was all very inspiring.