A Hindu family pray while taking a ritual, cleansing shower during the Thaipusam celebrations in Kuala Lumpur February 7, 2001. An estimated one million devotees and tourists thronged Batu Caves to fulfill their vows during Thaipusam. Thaipusam is three-day long festival celebrated by the Hindus, in which devotees subject themselves to painful rituals in a demonstration of faith and penance.

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