*The practices during the festival included carrying Kavadi -- a palanquin-like wooden frame -- on their shoulders, taking milk pots to temples, and piercing spear or skewer-like 'Alagu' on their cheek, tongue, hands or chest. Several devotees carried the Kavadi by singing devotional songs and danced all the way to the temples* Read more: https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/culture/photo/in-photos-tamil-nadu-celebrates-thaipoosam-festival-with-unique-traditions-104099/1