Kavady a colourful celebration at South Coast temples
Hindus in Port Shepstone came out in their numbers to observe the annual festival of Thaipoosam Kavady.
Three South Coast temples observed Thaipoosam Kavady recently to honour Lord Muruga, seeking his blessings for spiritual strength, protection and the removal of burdens.
These were Umbango Sri Siva Soobramoniar, Umzimkuluwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar and Port Shepstone Tamil Association.
The festival is observed mainly during the Tamil month of Thai and serves as a profound act of penance, gratitude and devotion where worshippers carry decorated symbolic burdens to temples.
Devotees observe a strict fast and abstain from certain pleasures as a gesture of gratitude to God. Music is an important aspect of the festival and various bhajans are sung for spiritual upliftment.
Over 150 kavadies were carried at Umzimkuluwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar in Langalibalele; about 40 at Port Shepstone Tamil Association; and 185 kavadies and seven chariots at Umbango Sri Siva Soobramoniar.
The festival begins at dawn where devotees observe a hawan in an open space and then return to the temple where the last rituals are conducted.
“It was a beautiful experience to observe and watch so many devotees pray with so much love and devotion,” said Cohen Pillay from the Umbango Temple.
Organisations thanked devotees that took part and the general public for the support and sponsorships in observing the colourful prayer.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
