SCORES of Hindu devotees observed Chitra Paruvam Kavady festival at the Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple on May 12.

PRO for the temple, Sidney Govindsamy, said Chithirai refers to a month in the Tamil calendar and Paruvam refers to the phase of the moon.

Also read: Hindu devotees celebrate Kavady festival

“This Kavady is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (Mid-April to Mid-May) hence it’s called Chitra Paruvam Kavady.

“The Kavady is observed to worship Lord Muruga which is a day of prayers and penance. Lord Muruga represents wisdom and strength. This festival is a time for repentance and worship for devotees with celebrations carried out at the temple. Generally, 10 days before the Kavady, a flag is hoisted at the temple. This flag hoisting is a way of giving notice of the coming event,” said Govindsamy.

He said the festival is a ceremonial offering carried by devotees honouring Lord Murugan which represents the burdens of life, whereby devotees carry it as an act of devotion and surrender to Lord Murugan.

“Carrying the Kavady is a form of penance, helping devotees atone for past mistakes and seek forgiveness. The physical act of carrying the Kavady is believed to help devotees cultivate spiritual strength, endurance, and self-discipline,” he added.

The collective carrying of Kavadys fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among devotees.

Govindsamy added, “This tradition helps preserve the cultural heritage of Hinduism. At the Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple a lot of  preparation goes into the Kavady running up until the 10th day, there is daily feeding from different families and on the main day.”

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