Sketches on January 2014
itinerary of january
Incheon(S.Korea)-KL(Malaysia)-Penang(Malaysia)-Singapore-Kalibo(Philippines)-Boracay(Philippines)-Singapore-Lake Toba(Indonesia)-KL(Malaysia)-India(February)
Ati-Atihan Festival sketches, Philippines
The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines. The name "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Aetas" or "make believe Ati's." Aetas were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the earliest settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is situated.[1]
The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati-Atihan_Festival>
— in Kalibo, Philippines.
Thaipusam Festival sketches
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated by Tamil community on the full moon. On the day of the festival, devotees shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi (burdens). At its simplest this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaipusam>
— at Sri Srinivasan Perumal Temple