CONSTRUCTION worker Kasi Velu followed a strict vegetarian diet for 40 days to prepare for the big event.

That came at midnight yesterday when he joined more than 8,000 devotees who carried kavadis for a Thaipusam foot procession.

They made their way from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road.

Thaipusam is an occasion when devotees give thanks to Hindu god Lord Murugan.

Mr Velu's kavadi weighed 45kg and he was pierced 108 times in his tongue, cheeks, forehead and upper torso.

'I'm used to the pain. In fact, I don't feel any pain. It's the will of God,' said the 38-year-old who has been a kavadi-bearer for 14 years.

Devotees hope that their wishes can be granted through carrying the kavadi, which can be a milk pot or an elaborate spiked set-up.

This year, there were about 8,000 milk-pot bearers, including 250 who carried smaller kavadis and 311 who bore the spiked ones during the procession.

Ms Selina Nanayakara, 46, was among the thousands who turned up at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to offer thanks to the gods. She had been preparing with her friends and family for the midnight procession since 8pm.

Although this was the fourth time she was carrying the milk pot, it was the first year her son was taking part.

'I prayed that he would do well for his O levels and that he would get into his desired polytechnic. Now that the wish has been granted, I have got him here to pay penance and to give thanks,' said the woman, who is a team leader at the Singapore General Hospital.

Her son carried a milk pot too.

This year, besides the procession, there is also a Thaipusam Viewing Gallery opposite Serangoon Plaza.

A variety show outside the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple will see entertainers from India performing today from 7pm to 10pm.