Man carries sibling with cerebral palsy up Batu Caves stairs for Thaipusam: ‘Noble deeds will be richly blessed’
Suresh Vanaz, the man, said that as the family’s sole breadwinner, caring for his brother is his responsibility and an act of love.
Suresh Vanaz carries brother for Thaipusam A touching story from Southeast Asia has been moving people on the Internet. Suresh Vanaz, a Singapore-based Indian man, recently travelled to Malaysia’s iconic Batu Caves with his brother who has cerebral palsy. Instead of carrying the traditional kavadi during the Thaipusam festival, Vanaz chose to lift his brother up the steep flight of stairs, ensuring he was part of the celebration.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Vanaz said that while he is his family’s sole breadwinner, looking after his brother is more than just a duty—it is something he does with love. His brother enjoys travelling, and Vanaz’s dream is to take him around the world.
The powerful gesture has struck a chord with many online, with people calling Vanaz a “hero” for the way he includes his brother in life’s special moments. His Instagram page is filled with videos showing their close bond and everyday adventures.
Reflecting on the journey, Vanaz wrote in a post, “It has been 20 years since I carried Kavadi… now I’m carrying my brother every single day. God’s blessing is always there with us. God bless each and everyone out there. Happy Thaipusam, my old memories.”
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Users flooded the comments on Vanaz’s Instagram posts to express their admiration for his affection towards his younger sibling. A user wrote, “Hats off to you both dears n god bless you n family always.”
Another user wrote, “Noble deeds will be richly blessed. Your love is unconditional bro.” A third user commented, “The two brothers show how strong their bond is and this a great family value that we need to set a good example regardless what race and their backgrounds is.”
A fourth individual wrote, “Such an amazing brother with so much love to render.”
What is the Thaipusam festival?
Thaipusam is a Tamil Hindu festival celebrated on the first full moon of the Thai month, under the Pusam star. It honours Lord Murugan’s victory over Surapadman, a demon. While it is observed in India, it is especially significant among Indian communities in Malaysia and Singapore.
Though the festival lasts a day, devotees often fast for weeks leading up to it. The celebration is known for acts of devotion like piercing the skin, tongue, or cheeks, and carrying “decorated canopy that the devotees carry during the festival,” known as kavadis, as offerings to Lord Murugan.
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