Kavady is well supported
The annual Thai Poosam Kavady festival saw devotees observing ancient and meaningful rituals.
THE culmination of 10 days of abstaining from meat and observing strict discipline saw a colourful parade to three temples on the South Coast last week.
The Umzimkulwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar Temple, the Port Shepstone Tamil Association and the Umbango Siva Soobramoniar Temple celebrated Kavady with colourful and impressive displays of devotion.
Kavady signifies devotion and the essence of life, where participants are encouraged to follow the strict requirements dedicated to Lord Muruga, the Hindu deity regarded as the God of protection and preservation.
Devotees carry the Kavady, which is a wooden frame decked with flowers, Hindu deities, lime, other fruit and milk. Some devotees have their bodies pierced.
It is a festival of purification where prayers are offered and penance is observed for a month. The Kavady symbolises the carrying of one’s burden and the laying of it at the Lord’s feet. For more photos, click here
