'Vel vel' keeps being chanted during the chariot procession, all the way to the temple. What's the meaning of the chant? When was Thaipusam first celebrated in Malaysia? Check out the answers.

Why do devotees go to great lengths to pierce themselves with hooks and skewers? Is it true that they don't bleed and don't feel the pain? What's the purpose of breaking the coconuts in the streets during a chariot procession? Why is shaving the head an important Thaipusam ritual? Find out more about the significance of these Thaipusam rituals.

Batu Caves Thaipusam Crowd What has a demon got to do with the celebration of Thaipusam? Ever wonder why the festival is celebrated on a grander scale in Malaysia than in India? What kind of austere preparations do devotees undertake before Thaipusam? If you’re a first-time visitor, check out `survival’ tips that would come in handy when rubbing shoulders with thousands of devotees who throng the world-renowned Batu Caves for this one-of-a-kind celebration.

What does Gong Xi Fa Cai mean? If you think it means Happy New Year, you’re mistaken. Why are Chinese New Year goodies served in a tray with 8 portions? Why do you need to keep silent while making the nian gao, or kuih bakul? Check out more little-known nuggets of information related to the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Lanterns

Why do the Chinese emphasise on the colour red for their New Year celebrations? Need a clue? It has something to do with a monster which used to appear on the Eve of Chinese New Year?