A Hindu devotee carrying a structure supported by a rod pierced through his face as he participates in the Annual Velvel Festival . Velvel is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu God Murugan Mutthumariamman and is celebrated in the month of April. Devotees perform different painful rituals, often involving piercing, with a belief that God Murugan Mutthumariamman will save their family members from all evil powers for next one year. Bandel India - ZUMAs197 20230406_zaa_s197_313

A Hindu devotee carrying a structure supported by a rod pierced through his face as he participates in the Annual Velvel Festival . Velvel is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu God Murugan Mutthumariamman and is celebrated in the month of April. Devotees perform different painful rituals, often involving piercing, with a belief that God Murugan Mutthumariamman will save their family members from all evil powers for next one year. Bandel India - ZUMAs197 20230406_zaa_s197_313

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Credit: ZUMA Press Wire

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Recording Date: Apr 6, 2023

Media Size: 6,977×4,651 Pixels

April 6, 2023, Bandel, India: A Hindu devotee carrying a structure supported by a rod pierced through his face as he participates in the Annual Velvel Festival . Velvel is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu God Murugan Mutthumariamman and is celebrated in the month of April. Devotees perform different painful rituals, often involving piercing, with a belief that God Murugan Mutthumariamman will save their family members from all evil powers for next one year. Bandel India - ZUMAs197 20230406_zaa_s197_313

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