Photo: Thaipusam Festival Preparation

Every year Malaysia is home to the Thaipusam Festival. Now banned in Tamil Nadu, India where it originated, this three-day Hindu festival involves incredible physical feats performed by zealouts who have induced a painlessness through religious ecstasy. The trance keeps these men in a mental state where they are able to pierce their skin and not only withstand the pain, but also subside blood flow.