Town painted orange at annual Kavady celebration in Tongaat
A link to generations that came before, the annual celebration is to honour Hindu deity, Lord Muruga.
Thousands joined the Tongaat community in celebrating the 115th annual Punguni Woothira Kavady Mahotsavam on Saturday morning.
A link to generations that came before, the annual celebration is to honour Hindu deity, Lord Muruga.
The main event of the day was the ceremonial pulling of chariots from the Outspan Grounds to the Brake Village Temple, during which thousands poured out onto the streets and painted the town orange.
A main chariot carrying Lord Muruga was pulled via large ropes by around 100 people, while smaller chariots followed behind.
Many devotees wore body piercings, including those who pulled the smaller chariots which were connected to them via hooks in their skin.
Temporary pain is part of showing devotion to Lord Muruga, in front of whom devotees laid their burdens and asked for them to be disposed of.
The main Kavady carriers were Paveshen Sethurayer and Vinil Ammersingh, who danced to the constant drum beats which echoed through the Tongaat CBD.
But many other people carried their own Kavady, which is literally translated as a pole slung between one’s shoulders that can carry individual burdens at each end.
Devotees ended up at the Brake Village Sri Siva Soobramaniar Alayam Temple, which was established in 1909 and annually organises the Tongaat Kavady, which is claimed as the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
