Thaipusam is a spectacular Hindu festival held annually in honour of Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Lord Murugan). Devotees seek blessings, fulfill vows and offer thanks in many ways including having their foreheads, tongues or cheeks pierced, or having fruit or pots of milk suspended from hooks in their back, chest or legs. Some carry kavadis, large metal semi-circular frames decorated with peacock feathers and supporting many skewers which pierce the back and chest.