Vel, as a symbol of divinity, is an object of worship in the temples dedicated to Lord Murugan — the Hindu god of war and a son of Shiva. The Vel festival in Bengal is a version of the annual Thaipusam festival celebrates in Southern India, Sri Lanka. During this festival, many devotees pierce their skin, tongue, or cheeks with vel skewers while undertaking a procession towards the Shiva temple. Frenzied participants are seen shouting and chanting “Ael! Vel! Vel! Vel!” above the drumming during the procession. The ones pierced sometimes also carry burdens, in the form of chariots connected to their backs through piercings and ropes. Though extreme and painful to look at, it is quite a spectacle. Many devotees are also seen with a cloth tied on their mouth, signifying their oath of silence till the festival concludes. Others may be seen carrying a pot of milk as an offering. Performers are often seen moving in a trance or appearing to be possessed before the piercing ceremony begins. They are first cleansed by bathing and then undergo the piercing process.