On the Thaipusam day, a pilgrimage is taken by the devotees by shaving their heads and engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying different types of kavadi or a pot of milk. Also, the mortification of flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is common. Thaipusam involves physical and mental discipline as the devotees purify the body through rigid fasting with simple vegetarian meals and observe celibacy. Thaipusam is celebrated faithfully with pilgrimage that gives devotees great powers of endurance to fulfill their vows.