Springs Tamil Association celebrates the Festival of Chitra Parvuam Kavady
Ten days of fasting ends with celebration.
For thousands of Tamilians, 10 days of strict fasting ended on Sunday when the Festival of Chitra Parvuam Kavady was celebrated by the Springs Tamil Association in Bakerton.
Those who carry Kavady are on a vegetarian fast and observe a strict code of discipline.
A Kavady is a cylindrical wooden structure and this represents equilibrium and is similar to a scale and it must be balanced.
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Kavadies are decorated with flowers and peacock feathers.
Brass chombos filled with milk is placed on either end of the Kavady.
A brass pot, called Paal Kodum, which is also filled with milk can also be carried and this milk is then offered to Lord Muruga.
The flag which was hoisted at the beginning of the 10 days is then taken down, signifying the end of this festival.
For the duration of the 10 days, devotees visit the temple daily and partake in the Abishagem.
To mark the last day of the ritual dedicated to Lord Muruga, devotees carry colourfully decorated Kavadies on their shoulders during the procession at the temple.
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Of the festival, devotee and chairperson of the Springs Tamil Association Vincent Govender, says, “It gives one discipline to work with the right motives and show gratitude for the blessings received.
“We learn continuously that the highest purpose of life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.”
The Springs Tamil Association and members of the Sithi Vinayagar Alayam would like to thank devotees for their continued support in the spiritual upliftment of their religion and culture.
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