Hindus to observe Thai Poosam Kavady
This mammoth thanks-giving festival is held in honour of the deity Muruga, the grantor of wisdom, inner strength and happiness.
THE Mariannhill Shri Siva Soobramoniar Alayam will observe the 69th annual Thai Poosam kavady on Wednesday, 31 January at 8am and the convenience day on Saturday, 3 February at 12.15pm.
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Ravi Naidu, chairman of the Alayam, said the annual Thaipoosam Kavady prayer draws thousands of devotees from all walks of life. This mammoth thanks-giving festival is held in honour of the deity Muruga, the grantor of wisdom, inner strength and happiness.
“The festival has its origin in the state of Tamil Naadu in South India. It is observed during the appearance of the Poosam Star and in close proximity with the appearance of the full moon in the 10th Tamil Month of Thai. Hence the name Thai Poosam. The appearance of the star and moon determines the auspicious times of the festival,” said Naidu.
He said the above two heavenly bodies provides brightness, signifying a new change and happiness in man’s life. Devotees who were afflicted by sickness, personal catastrophes or any other negative experiences perform penance to God Muruga – (Beautiful One) by carrying various circular physical symbols called Kavadies or brass pots (Paal Kudams) containing milk, etc.
“The act of carrying a physical form or piercing the body with specialised traditional needles is a way of expressing spiritual contact with God as a form of strong belief in the Supreme Absolute Being (Para brahma). Many other devotees partake in this festival for pure loving devotion (Bhakthi) to God Muruga,” said Naidu.
Many Hindu temples of South Indians or Tamil in origin will observe the annual Thai Poosam Kavady Festival either on Tuesday, 30 January or Wednesday, 31 January.
The Flag Hoisting Ceremony is on Monday, 22 January at 6pm. The Kalasam and Yaagam/Havan prayers will take place daily beginning at 6pm except on weekends, which is Saturday, 27 January at 4pm and Sunday, 28 January at 4pm.
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The public is invited to attend this auspicious occasion at the Mariannhill Hindu Temple, 8 Parkside Crescent, Mariannhill for the 13-day period.
Contact Ravi Naidu on 031 701 8654, 084 619 4551 or Guru Viswanatha Sarma on 083 348 7894 or 031-706 0021.
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