The Shri Siva Soobramaniar Temple held its Kavady procession today (February 1), with devotees pulling three ornate chariots. Hundreds more carried ornately-decorated arches (Kavady) from the grounds opposite the four-way stop in Kandahar Avenue all the way to the Shri Siva Soobramaniar Temple in Drividian Road.

Hundreds of devotees

Devotees spent the morning in prayer, which culminated in many undergoing body piercings while in a spiritual trance-like state.

While some pulled the chariots with ropes attached to their body piercings, others walked with the rest of the devotees. In a joyous mood, they then made their way to the temple.

What is Kavady?

Kavady is a 10-day Tamil Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, featuring intense penance, fasting and the carrying of decorated Kavady adorned with flowers and peacock feathers to symbolise carrying burdens to the Lord. Processions often include ornate, miniature or large chariots (Ratha) representing divine movement and spirituality.

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