Hindu community decorate the streets of Victoria for Thaipoosam Kavadi festival |10 February 2020
The Hindu community in Seychelles on Saturday observed the annual Thaipoosam Kavadi festival, one of the most important festivals in the tradition with special prayers and a procession through the streets of Victoria.
Thaipoosam Kavadi, observed by the community around the globe, is considered a time to ask Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva, for forgiveness, good health and peace in the new year.
Prior to the festival, devotees begin to fast and cleanse and pray after expressing their wishes to Lord Murugan.
On Saturday, many devotees, visitors and locals alike witnessed the highlight of the celebrations is the kavadi pilgrimage, alarge, colourful procession that takes place in the morning of Thaipusam. Dressed in bright orange and yellow, Lord Murugan's favourite colors, they chanted and walked to the temple, some carrying a kavadi, or offering (often a wooden or bamboo-made structure lavishly decorated with peacock feathers) during the procession.
As is customary, others simply carry milk pots and fruits as offerings along the way and others pierce their faces with metal spikes and have hooks inserted into their bodies as they join the procession and ask Lord Murugan for guidance and help.
Chairperson of Hindu Kovil Sangam Seychelles, Chandran Nagarajan Pillay, noted that the Hindu community have over the past few days been preparing for the important festival by fasting and praying.
On Saturday, the festival started with special prayers at 8am followed by Kavadi procession which started from the Temple at Quincy Street and routed through Revolution Avenue, Harrison Street, Lodge Street and back to Quincy Street.
Traditional oriental music was produced by a group specially flown in from India who played traditional instruments and drums as the devotees chanted and marched their way to the temple, where they shared a communal vegetarian lunch with the curious persons who turned up to witness the event.
The accompanying photos by our photographer Thomas Meriton show some highlights of the procession.
Laura Pillay
