I conveyed my homage to Lord Murugan of Batu Caves for Thaipusam this year. The Thaipusam festival falls on 30th Jan this year but I went to Batu Caves over the weekend.
As this is the 5th year of surviving cancer, I shaved my head as a form of gratitude to the Lord. At the same time I carried paal kuddam or the milk pot on the 200 something steps to reach the hill top temple.
The barber at the shop at the bottom of the hill only took less than 5 minutes to shave by hair with a small blade. He did not leave any mark on my head at all. I then washed myself in the newly built toilet owned by the Barber’s Shop, changed myself into new clothes. I rubbed sandalwood paste on my head to have a cooling affect on my head.
I proceed to carry the milk pot up the steps and was surprised at myself that I did not stop much while climbing the steps panting as I usually do. Probably I am more fit now or just got the energy after shaving my head…ha..ha.
My aunt and uncle from Washington were there and so were my parents, brother and two little nephews. When an event like this takes place, it is a further blessing to have loved ones around you.
Am I brave to cut my shave my head? Yes I am because I did not have hair at all for some months when I was undergoing treatment so I do not feel uncomfortable at all. Some ladies who saw me at the temple smiled at me when they saw my head and I smiled back at them.
Outside home I am wearing scarves which I still kept from my treatment days. People may get uncomfortable seeing me without hair so I resorted to using a scarf. But of course even with a scarf people get confused whether I am an India or a Malay and then they see me using a pottu on the forehead. Some of my friends take some time to recognize me.
Hair will always grow. The most important thing in life is always to be grateful to Lord for all blessings HE has showered on us.
 My little nephews, brother , parents, aunt and uncle. |
 I am carrying the milk pot climbing the steps accompanied by mother and aunt. |
