Hundreds of thousands of Hindus flocked to temples across Malaysia to celebrate the Thaipusam festival Tuesday, with many piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers in acts of devotion. Some worshippers pierce themselves with skewers or hang hooks and chains from their bodies in acts of penance.

For the festival of the god Murugan, symbolising the victory of good over evil, the faithful fast from food and drink. Among the practices is that of pricking oneself with metal hooks and spikes.

Hindu faithful climbed the 272 steps of the Selangor temple for Thaipusam with prayers and offerings. View on euronews

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus flocked to temples across Malaysia to celebrate the Thaipusam festival on Tuesday, with many piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers in acts of devotion.