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Jan 7, 2011 Thaipusam set to turn down volume By Yen Feng Following new guidelines issued by the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB), participants with piercings cannot hang or pull objects, such as coconuts or framed photographs, from their bodies. -- ST PHOTO THIS year's Thaipusam celebrations will be a quieter affair if guidelines made public for the first time on Thursday by the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) are enforced. Those participating in the procession on Jan 19 and 20 are barred from playing recorded music or sounding gongs or drums. Traditionally, the music - often played at a deafening volume - is seen as encouragement for those who pierce their bodies as an act of faith. Now, only the singing of hymns will be permitted. Other rules include no shouting, and no paint or makeup to be used on either the devotees' faces or bodies. Those who flout the rules may be barred from future processions - or face a fine of up to $5,000 under the Public Order Act. And for the first time, spike or chariot kavadi bearers are required to nominate a representative who will be responsible for their conduct. The HEB said the rules mirrored guidelines set by the police for permits to hold Thaipusam celebrations. But they were put together for the first time this year for the public to address long-standing issues of crowd and noise control, officials from the two temples organising the procession said. Link here