Thaipusam is a celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramaniam. This year Thaipusam celebrated by Hindus on 11 Feb 2006. Devotees carrying kavadis or wooden steel yokes with long spikes and metal hooks pierced into their bodies. The Hindus believe that by celebrating Thaipusam, they are cleansed of all sins and that their misdeeds can be redeemed in many ways during the festival.

More about Thaipusam: http://www.pulaupinang.com/events/thaipusam.shtml