multiple cities, Malaysia
Hindu devotees wait for arrival of silver chariot carrying statue of Lord Murugan in Kuala Lumpur
Hindu devotees wait for the arrival of the silver chariot carrying a statue of Lord Murugan during a 10-km (6.2 miles) procession through downtown Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves temple, marking the beginning of the Thaipusam festival, February 7, 2009. The capital of Malaysia - where 10 percent of the population are ethnic Indians - was filled with prayers and mantra chants of the devotees, who took part in the procession to fulfil vows made previously. Devotees observe a rigorous regiment of spirituality in the month-long run up to Thaipusam, including a dawn-to-dusk fast and a vegetarian diet. REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad (MALAYSIA)