Retiree to carry kavadi for 34th time, vows to keep going

For this Thaipusam, K Vasagam is set to conquer the 272 steps in Batu Caves again. The 65-year-old retiree, who drives a taxi, will be carrying a “kavadi” for the 34th time.

“I have my cheeks pierced and also my back. I was doing this from the very beginning.

“I did not ask anybody about what to do. It was something that just struck my mind. I just prayed and it came to me,” he told Malaysiakini.

Since Vasagam is still fit and does not suffer from diabetes or hypertension, which are common among those in his age group, he plans to...