Kavadi

The kavadis are all very pretty to look at but one can sense and even see that they weight a lot on the shoulders of the devotees. The devotees carry these kavadis as a vow made to Lord Murugan for granting their wish as well as a show of faith and love for their deities. Seeing some of the kavadis one can tell it is no mean feat.

They start their journey from the river after cleansing before adorning the kavadi onto their bodice.

No mean feat even if it is just having 20 or so stainless steel ingots hanging to fishing hooks tethered to the skin on his back.

Balancing the kavadi is definately not like balancing your Deuter backpack as the kavadi is attached to the person via hooks while we use straps for our backpacks.

Young and old alike have their wishes granted and in turn carry their kavadi. A 'heavy' price to pay for wishes granted? A vow kept, a promise made? Big or small, heavy or light, who is to say other than the person keeping their word and making true their vow to Lord Murugan.

I stand in awe and in respect of these devotees in keeping true to their word.