Malaysian barber has shaved heads for 18 years during Thaipusam at Batu Caves

Shaving heads during Thaipusam is part of Saravanan's (right) service to honour Lord Murugan. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

For the past 18 years, barber and grocery store owner Saravanan Ayasamy, 44, has embraced a sacred duty – shaving heads for Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.

"It’s more than just a job for me. I have been shaving heads at Batu Caves for many years because it’s part of my service of honour to Lord Murugan. I feel it's part of my responsibility to use my barbering skills to help others who have taken their vows for this religious festival," said Saravanan during an interview in Batu Caves recently.