Seychelles Thai Poosam Kavadi Festival – January 2024 |24 January 2024
A glance
It is the 40th year that the Seychelles Hindu Temple marks its valuable contribution towards the community and Hindu diaspora. After the establishment of Seychelles Hindu Temple, each festival and rituals slowly started with its tradition, culture and now it is one of our colourful rituals as well as a tourist attraction.
Thai Poosam is one of the annual events and it is the auspicious day of Lord Murugan/Subramanyar/ Velavan, which will celebrate during the Full Moon Day of Poosam (Star) in the month of January- February (Month - Thai in Tamil) to celebrate deity’s victory.
It is an event which is celebrated across the globe in a colourful manner without changing its ritual culture. Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Kenya, and Myanmar are the important countries which celebrate this event as a success of integrity, mankind and secularism.
In Seychelles, this event was started in 1993 in the temple and from 1998, Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam showcased the function in a grand manner in the heart of Victoria.
Since then, for the past 32 years this programme has been taking place every year between January 14 -February 14 (Thai is the Tamil month ) Full moon day on the star of Poosam. This year, it falls on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
The government, considering the request of Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam, approved discretionary off for the Hindu people who are working in the government and public/parastatal organisations. It is the witness of integrity and secularism in the paradise.
Thai Poosam is one of the remarkable functions of Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam, and will take place at Seychelles Hindu Temple, Quincy Street. The kavadi literally means “sacrifice every step”.
Basically, the kavadi consists of short wooden pole surmounted by a wooden arch decorated with peacock feathers (Symbolic of lord Murugan as the peacock for his mascot and vehicle), flowers, mango leaves and other decorated items.
Different kinds of kavadi will be used in this festival. Alagu kavadi consists of sharp skewers pierced on tongues,cheeks, and skins of the human body which is carried by the devotee who prayed for their objectives.
Kavadi with milk slung/scented water/sandal water which consists of same kavadi having milk slung, scented water, sandal water on both the side. Poottu (Lock) Kavadi consists of same alagu kavadi, however there will be lock on each piercing side in the human body.
Chariot kavadi consists of piercing on the back of the human body, which is connected with a chariot having deity in decoration. Flower kavadi consisting of kavadi full of flowers also take part in the function. Other than this kavadi, there are milk slung which will be carried by devotees.
This year there are 21 alagu kavadi, 1 poottu kavadi, 1 chariot kavadi, approximately 50 milk slungs, and 21 general kavadi. These kavadi will start at 8.45am from the Seychelles Hindu Temple and move through Royal Street, Harrison Street, Lodge Street and reach the Quincy Street, as per the directions and instructions given by the department of Land Transport and Seychelles Police.
For this event, devotees have to follow special prayers, fasting, and avoid non-vegetarian food, at least three days prior. Some follow this for a whole month.
During the procession, traditional music will be played and the devotees who have the kavadi will dance to forget the tough task. Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam is expecting at least 1000 onlookers including tourists.
After the procession, the milk and other scented water materials will go to Lord Muruga for special abhishegam. The deity will be decorated in special ornaments and necessary ritual procedures will be conducted.
After this there will be a common feast for all participants at the Seychelles Hindu Temple organised by Seychelles Hindu Kovil Sangam. Nearly 750 people are expected at the feast.
Contributed by SHKS – 2023 Executive Committee
