'Thooku Kaavady' - Acts of penance, Avissawella, Sri Lanka

Suspended in a cradle of ropes.

Suspended on hoos throush the skin.

A procession from one 'Paththini Kovil' to another in Avissawella. These acts are done to fulfil a vow to the Goddess 'Paththini'. The 'Paththini cult' was introduced around the 2nd Century of the Present Era into Sri Lanka. It is a very-much live cult in this area now.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLQAINZfwYI