ThaiPusam

Thai Poosam is a Hindu religious festival dedicated to Lord Murugan that is celebrated by Tamil people. Kavady translates as Kavu + Adi and is a pole slung across the shoulder to evenly distribute the weight of whatever is being carried, usually in bundles on either ends of the pole. The carrying of kavady symbolizes the carrying of one’s burden and then resting it at the feet of the Lord.

Thai Poosam falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month Thai (January). The ten-day festival starts with hoisting of the flag. Daily yegyams, ablishegams and singing devotional hymns are held in honour of Lord Murugan. On the main day of the Kavady festival, devotees carry the Kavady from a distance away from the temple, preferable from a river, back to the temple. It is believed that the more effort and hardship applied when carrying the Kavady, the more benevolent Lord Murugan will be towards fulfilling his devotee’s needs. Devotees usually carry milk and honey on either end of their Kavadies. After entering the temple grounds the devotees carry their Kavadies three times around the temple. When they are inside the temple, the milk and honey are poured over the statue of Lord Murugan. The festival concludes with the de-hoisting of the flag.

 In ancient times people of Tamil Nadu during pilgrimage carried the offerings to the gods tied on either end of a long stick, which was balanced on the shoulders. In order to lessen the boredom of the long travel they used to sing and dance about the gods.

Kavadi : From the simple shape of a weighing balance or a heavy wooden stick to rest on the shoulder, to the two ends of which are tied two vessels, the mouth of which is tied with cloth, the kavadi varies in its shape and type to the costly palanquin superstructure, profusely flower bedecked and interwoven with peacock feathers (a feather that is of very great significance in Shanmuka worship. ) In all cases the kavadi has good many brass bells adorning it and announcing its movement since the kavadi bearer observes mouna or the vow of silence.

Now the two pots hanging at either end of the kavadi might contain rice, milk, honey, panchamirtam or other articles which the devotee has vowed to offer to Lord Subramanya.

The kavadi bearer has to observe various rules between the time he takes up the kavadi and the day of the offering. He has to perforrn elaborate ceremonies from the time of asuming the kavadi up to the time of offering it to the Lord. He has to dress in yellow and carry a cane silver capped on both ends. The kavadi bearer's bare chest is covered with holy ash and Rudraksha mala. He observes celibacy. He does not shave; he grows a beard. He takes one meal of sattvic food per day and abstains from all types of intoxicating drinks and drugs. He continuously dwells in the thought of the Lord.

A few of the kavadi bearers, especially those who do it as a sadhana, impose various sorts of self torture upon themselves. They pass a sharp little Vel through their tongue which is made to protrude out of the mouth. Or they pass a Vel through the cheeks. The Vel pierced through the tongue or cheek prevents him from speaking. It gives him great power of endurance and remembrance of God.

In all cases the kavadi procession terminates in an elaborate, colourful and inspiring ceremony. The priest chants various hyms in praise of Lord Shanmuka. Incense is burnt. Drums are beaten. Musical instruments are played. The devotee himself is in a high state of religious fervor. He dance in ecstasy.