Editorial photo #13963763 Religion and Belief

The Aadi Thiruvizha Rituals

Govinda, 31, a Tamil Hindu devotee, decorates the Shri Mahasinggama Kaliamman Temple ahead of the Adi Tirula (also known as Aadi Thiruvizha) celebration in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, on July 15, 2026. Devotees perform a sacred procession carrying a milk vessel (Paal Kudam) and perform a vow to pierce their tongues or cheeks with a needle/iron wire (vel) as a symbol of sacrifice, self-purification, and prayer for the safety of all. (Photo by Sutanta Aditya/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #13963763
Date taken: 15 July 2026
Location: —
Photographer: Sutanta Aditya/NurPhoto
Category: Religion and Belief

Related keywords

One Person Waist Up Sutanta Aditya Medan North Sumatra Indonesia Adi Tirula Aadi Thiruvizha Tamil Hindu religious ritual tradition Tongue piercings carrying a milk vessel Paal Kudam vow devotion Govinda Shri Mahasinggama Kaliamman Temple sacred procession milk vessel pierce tongues cheeks needle iron wire vel sacrifice self-purification prayer