by Debra Corbeil

Created on: April 14, 2009

It is the middle of the night, the heat is overwhelming inside the squeeze of a million people and we have come to a terrifying stop. I look to my husband Dave for reassurance but he cannot help me. Panic has set in and I cannot move, escape, or breathe.

In the past, masses of people have been trampled to death in this exact situation. 244 people were killed during the 2004 Hajj in Mecca, and I can't help but think about that now. Could it possibly happen to me as well? A flash enters my brain, and I envision the headlines back home in Toronto. "Two Canadians Crushed to Death in South East Asia."

I am at the Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thaipusam, the astonishing Hindu Festival is taking place and according to the papers, 1.5 million people will be attending this year. For three days, worshippers pay tribute to the Lord Murugan by, having spike's driven through their cheeks and tongues, inserting hooks into their flesh and carrying offerings up 272 steps to the Cave's massive chamber. Some people carry Kevadi's, giant cages made of steal. Decorated with vibrant ribbons and peacock feathers, it takes four men to lift it onto the shoulders of the brave soul who dares to take on such a feat. Others have large hooks stuck into their backs attached to a chariot that they drag along or have a person pulling on the reigns to add to the burden. The greater the pain, the better chance of having their prayers answered.

People take part in Thaipusam for different reasons. To give thanks for a miracle that has happened in their lives, to ask for a wish to be granted or to seek penance for past sins. Worshippers prepare for their ordeal by fasting, meditating and abstaining from worldly pleasures.

As we sway in the wave of bodies, the people around me seem oblivious to the danger. Drums are beating, people are chanting in the dark and a young boy is quickly becoming wedged between me, and the wall of people that is holding us in place. A woman is laughing madly and I wonder Is this the last thing I will see before my death? Suddenly a calm passes over me, and I give into the rhythm. Just then, Dave takes my hand and pulls me through a small opening where we finally push our way to the edge of the crowd.
Looking on from the safety of a drainage pipe spanning a small river, I am relieved to simply watch the never-ending stream of people pass by.

We began our evening in Chinatown in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Starting at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, we looked

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