Just two days ago, over a million Tamil Hindus (and thousands of tourists) gathered outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the Batu Caves for Thaipusam – a monumental day celebrating Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, and his vanquishment of the evil demon Soorapadman. This gorgeous video by MuhdHidayatullah was shot at Batu Caves and paints mesmerizing vignettes of the Hindus' reverence for the sacred occasion – their devotion is written all over their faces.

Hindus prepare for the yearly commemoration by praying and fasting for 48 days before the February 3rd ceremonies. The day of, devotees shave their heads and display in various acts of devotion, which most often means carrying various types of kavadi (burdens). Some may carry a pot of milk, some may carry burdens of up to 100 kilograms, rising 2 meters in the air. However, fleshly mutilation, like piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with skewers also takes place amongst people of all ages – these remind the kadavi-bearers constantly of their respect for Lord Murugan. Those who have chosen to be kadavi-bearers observe celibacy and only eat pure, Satvik food, once a day – all in the name of God and immaculateness.

The epic Thaipusam procession begins in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and journeys 8 hours to the Batu Caves, which sit atop a flight of 272 stairs. When kadavi-bearers complete the arduous, holy (and shoeless) ascension, priests sprinkle consecrated ash over the hooks and skewers piercing the devotees' flesh before they are removed. Like pros, no blood is shed during the piercing and removal.

Why go to this extreme? These devout Hindus would ask the same question of those Americans who begrudgingly commute to work three hours each day in order to afford a gargantuan ranch home in a gated suburb. That’s a different form of torture. Participants perform the ritual only once a year, primarily as a means of demonstrating their gratitude and commitment to overcoming obstacles – and it's worth it for their long-term spiritual gain.