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Hi, Susan,

Read this text in groups, find as many as 10 words you do not understand in the text.

Subject: **Thaipusam Festival**

Hi Susan,

Are you looking forward to Christmas? I am, but for me, January is also going to be an important month because we will celebrate "Thaipusam". This traditional Hidu Festival is the time when we pay homage to the Hindu God Lord Murugan.

As you know, during my exchange in the UK I missed all the traditional festivities a lot so now it is time to take part in them again.

Moreover, this year I am very excited because we're going to the Batu Caves, which are near my house in Kuala Lumpur. This is a very good place to see the Thaipusam celebration and my mum told me last year almost 1 million people were there!

The night before Thaipusan, there is a procession from the city centre to the caves. There is a special silver chariot and lots of devotees walk from Kuala Lumpur to the caves. It's 15 kms and they stop every 3 km so it takes quite a long time as you can imagine! Some devotees shave their heads and carry presents.

When the processions reaches the caves the serious ritual begins. Then priests put shinny objects such as golden bracelets and rings on their faces, tongues, legs or other parts of the body!

People carry a present or pierce their body to gain merit for themselves or their family. I already pierced my ears and nose when I was a child. But don't worry, I am not going to pierce the rest of my body.

I am happy that I can go and celebrate this festival in such an important place!

I want to hear from my favourite host family! Tell me about your sister. Did she enjoy her trip to Glasgow?

What about you? Are you still working in the pub?

Has the Spanish girl rented the room where I was?

Write to me soon!


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