Hindus prepare for Kavady
South Coast temples are getting ready to observe the festival.
THAI Poosam Kavady is a Hindu religious festival dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Muruga.
Kavady translates from the Tamil language as a pole slung across the shoulders to evenly distribute the weight of whatever is being carried, usually in bundles on either ends of the pole.
The carrying of kavady symbolises the carrying of one’s burden and then resting it at the feet of the Lord.
This religious occasion falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month Thai (January).
The 10-day festival starts with hoisting of the flag. Daily rituals and the singing of devotional hymns are held in honour of Lord Muruga.
The Umzimkulwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar temple will host its 77th Kavady festival from next Friday, January 15 to January 24. Flag hoisting will be held on January 15 at 5.30pm. The main Kavady will be held at the Natal Portland Cement grounds at 7am on January 24. Lowering of the flag will take place on January 24 at 2pm.
The temple chariot will proceed through Port Shepstone on January 23 . For more information on the temple’s Kavady contact the chairman Kris Naidoo at 076 6875817 or vice-chairman Ram Naidoo at 082 6469589.
The Port Shepstone Tamil Association will start with flag hoisting on January 15 at 6.30pm. The main Kavady will be held at the temple on Sunday, January 24. For bookings contact Sharmaine Pillay at 0781751926 or Bobby Naidoo at 081 8915136.
Umbango Siva Soobramoniar Temple will start its Kavady festival with flag hoisting on Friday, January 15 at 5pm. Obayams will be held daily at 6pm. On January 17 the temple chariot will proceed through the streets of Port Shepstone. The main Kavady will be held on Sunday, January 24 at 6am. The lowering of the flag will take place at 2pm. For bookings contact Suresh Singh at 082 5633020 or Kevin Govender at 083 3753876.
