Devotee at the Thaipoosam Cavadee Tamil festival, Mauritius

Held each year on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). Many devotees on the ceremonial procession will have their tongue and cheeks ritualistically pierced by spears known as vels. Those believers who do not choose to have their body pierced, usually tie a scarf around their mouth as a vow of silence, meditation and devotion.

Photo taken at the Cavadee festival at Tamil Surya Oudaya Sangam Temple - Grande Baie,