The dramatic, chaotic Indian Thaipusam Festival is punctuated by a silver chariot pulled by two brightly decorated cows; vigorous coconut smashing; devotees with pierced tongues, cheeks, chests and backs; live musicians …

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Lash World Tour: PHOTO GALLERY: THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL IN …

In fact these bodily piercings are done voluntarily by participants in the annual Indian Thaipusam Festival. Banned in many places, the edgy Thaipusam parade still throngs the streets of Penang, Malaysia

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Lash World Tour: WILD THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL IN PENANG …