Kavady pictures: a celebration of devotion and penance
Faith
The Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple Clairwood held its Thaipoosam Kavady on Sunday. Kavady is a 10-day Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, symbolising devotion, penance, and the carrying of burdens to the deity for purification, healing, or vow fulfilment. Devotees pull chariots, carry milk pots or kavadies in honour of Lord Murugan. Some devotees also pierce their bodies with hooks adorned with flowers and religious ornaments.
Donovan Naidoo.
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Kanthi Naidoo, from left, Thishaylin Naidoo and Looshan Govender.
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Megan Moodley, from left, Ki- Leigh Moodley and Braly Moodley.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Sivan Naidoo and Dolly Naidoo.
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Suren M, from left, Poobal Govender, Lushen Govender and Priscilla Pillay.
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Devotees carrying their kavadies.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers
Devotees checking on their chariots before kavady started.
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A devotee with mouth piercing carrying a pot of milk offering on her head.
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Devotees, some with piercings and/or kavadies, show their devotion.
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A chariot being bulled by a devotee.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers