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Tongue pierced
Hindu with pierced tongue takes part in procession during Thaipusam festival in southern Indian city of Kochi Reuters

Hindu devotees put on wince-inducing displays of devotion when they took part in the Thaipusam festival.

Paticipants, largely drawn from the Tamil community, pray and fast before taking part in a procession. Along the way, they engage in devotional acts such as piercing their tongues, cheeks and skin with skewers and barbs.

The event is held on the day of the full moon in the Tamil moth of Thai (January/February). Celebrations take place in Mauritus, Malaysia, Singapore and India.

India