Kavadi Festival-Hindus stage colourful procession in honour of Lord Murugan |09 February 2009

Popularly known as Thaipoosam Kavadi, the procession started at the Navasakthi Vinayagar temple where the devotees went around the outer courtyard before marching through Quincy Street, Revolution Avenue, Harrison and Lodge streets and returning to the temple.

The Kavadi Festival is celebrated every year by the Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple on Thai Poosam Day and is attributed to Lord Murugan, the warrior deity of the hills.

The concept of the Kavadi is to carry milk in small pots and finally offer all of it to Lord Murugan amid prayers in return for his blessings.

The festival – held all over the world – started with a special pooja followed by the piercing of Alagu, whereby some of the Kavadi carrying male devotees had their cheeks, tongues arms and backs pierced using steel and silver skewers as a form of penance for the deity.

After the procession, Maha Abishegam and special pooja were held, followed by a free common vegetarian lunch for all taking part.

As it is always the case, the colourful event attracted a sizeable crowd of onlookers.
Meanwhile, the Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple this week celebrated its 17th anniversary – Sangabishegam – and the first anniversary of the consecration of its 16-metre tower – Rajagopuram.

Celebrations to mark the event started with 108 Sangu and Yaga Pooja and finished with special pooja and prayers.