Hindus celebrate through Kavadi procession |18 January 2014

Marking the birth of Lord Murugan, the Tamil God of war, the Hindu community in Seychelles yesterday celebrated the Thai Poosam Kavadi festival through their traditional colourful procession.

The religious ceremony started at 7am in the Hindu Temple with prayers where worshippers asked for the blessings of Lord Murugan.
 
Some male worshippers endured this by having their skins and tongues pierced with silver and steel “vel” – rods – in many sizes while women and children carried milk and other offering for the god.
Once outside the temple, the worshippers danced and clapped to the beat of Hindu religious music.

The Kavadi procession progressed from Quincy street onto  Revolution Avenue, winding its way through Harrison street, Lodge street and back to the Hindu temple where it all started.
 
The one hour procession unfolded under the watchful eyes of locals and tourists who had lined up some parts of the streets and buildings, taking pictures from cameras and mobile phones.

After some ceremonial dance outside the temple, the worshippers gathered inside for more prayers and later partook in a free lunch for all.

According to Subramaniyan Pillay, chairman of the Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam, the Kavadi festival changes date every year according to the birth date star of Lord Murugan.

“Last year the Kavadi festival was in February and this year it falls on January 17. We are celebrating the Lord’s birthday today,” he said joyfully.
 
Asked about if the devotees felt any pain while enduring the skin and tongue piercing ritual, Mr Pillay answered: “By praying to Lord Murugan asking for help and blessing, it prepares them mentally so that they don’t feel any pain while going through the ritual.”

The Kavadi festival is celebrated in almost every country outside India where there is a Hindu community.
 
The accompanying photographs show highlights of the Kavadi procession yesterday.