I've always thought that ear piercing using a needle is a punk thingy. But I witness such a ceremony last friday during Amutha's housewarming! According to the Indians, the ear piercing ceremony is a significant tradition of theirs...

Harini: Before the ceremony! The items on the floor are some fruits which are offerings to God, and presents from relatives and friends.

The priest making the marking on her ear....

The actual piercing. I guess Harini could felt the pain but she's a brave little girl, she held back all pain & tears.