A Hindu devotee makes his way towards Batu Caves to perform religious rites before sunrise during the Thaipusam festival on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai and commemorates the birth of Hindu deity Murugan. To mark this day of penance and thanksgiving, Hindus pierce their body with metal skewers and carry pots of milk on their heads in procession. Photo courtesy: AFP