Editorial photo #1706794 Human Interest
Tamil Hindu devotees take part in the Vinayagar Ther Thiruvizha Festival
Tamil Hindu devotee dances while entranced with small silver pots (containing holy ash) attached to hooks piercing the flesh of his back during the Vinayagar Ther Thiruvizha Festival in Ontario, Canada. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer, celibacy and fasting for 11 to 25 days before the festival. During this religious festival several devotees show their devotion by making offerings and by piercing their bodies with metal hooks and skewers. (Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto)