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. Thaipusam is marked with particular zest in multicultural Malaysia,

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus gathered at temples across Malaysia to celebrate Thaipusam, showcasing acts of deep religious devotion. (Pic credit: AP)

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.