Carrying Kavady for Lord Muruga

Shivananda Ashram will be hosting Thaipoosam Kavady during the course of January and February.

The auspicious festival will begin with the flag hoisting at 30A Henrietta Street, on January 25 at 10am and will be followed by Thiru Kalyanam on January 31 from 4pm.

The festivity will culminate in the Thaipoosam Kavady Grand Parade that will be open to the public, on February 1 from 8am. On February 3 at 6pm, Thaipoosam Maha

Yajan, Paarl Abishegam and Temple Kavady will be held.

“Thai Poosam” falls every year on the full moon day in the Tamil month “Thai” (January to February), when the full moon passes through the star “Pusam”.

During Kavady, prayer and penance is observed over 10 days by devotees. During this time, devotees abstain from various indulgences such as alcohol and observe celibacy. A vegetarian diet is also followed.

Furthermore, the Kavady procession is seen as an outward demonstration of devotion to Lord Muruga. The two main reasons for carrying a Kavady is to express thanks to Lord Muruga or to ask Him for help in overcoming a particular problem.

The raising of the flag marks the beginning of the 10 day fast and the observance of the Kavady festival. The flag also serves as a reminder that one should start fasting and visit the temple.

During this period, there will be daily Satangs, Hawans, discourses and readings from the Skanda Purana. The reading of the Skanda Shasti Kavasham will take place from January 26 to February 3 from 6pm until 8pm. Supper will be served.

The community is invited to participate in the festival, and the temple priest can be contacted on 078 648 1577 or 034 317 2270.

 

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