Devotees celebrate Chitra paravum Kavady

Last Wednesday marked a special occasion for some Tamil devotees as they participated in Chitra Paravum Kavady.

Gathering at the Suryaville Temple, participants took part in a series of prayers for peace, love and health in the community, before taking up their kavadies and carrying it through the streets.

Kavadies represent burdens of sin and suffering, and are heavy religious objects, decorated with flowers and peacock feathers. Brass containers of blessed milk are placed on them.

Certain devotees also pierced pins through certain areas of their bodies as part of the festivities.

The day was a spiritual experience for the devotees as it marked the end of their fasting period.