By Subry Govender
The annual Kavady ceremony has drawn thousands of worshippers, their families, friends and the people in general at temples and other religious intsitutions all over the country on Sunday, January 27.
The participants, dressed in traditional sacred clothing and with their foreheads bearing the Namo symbols, gathered for the ceremony all over the North Coast, South Coast, central Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and even in Port Elizabeth and East London.
One of the biggest and well-attended ceremonies took place at the Umdloti Drift Shree Siva Subramaniar Alayam in Verulam. Here the devotees, many with their bodies, hands and faces bearing needles and other religious instruments, sang and danced with vigour and commitment - praising the deity, Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga is understood to heal the sick and eradicate all social and other problems encountered by the people.
There were more than 1 200 devotees standing in a long line to walk into the temple and conduct their prayers.
"This is one of the most holiest ceremonies conducted by the people since our forefathers came to this country more than 152 years ago," said Professor Sundru Kisten, who is the chairperson of the Umdloti Drift Temple.
"Our temple alone is more than 115 years old and this ceremony has been going on since its foundation. The devotees find that Lord Muruga answers their call to overcome any sickness and social problems they encounter.
"The devotees fast for 10 days, abstaining from all worldy luxuries and pleasures. We are so happy that thousands of people have come to the temple today to participate and witness this glorious religious ceremony."
Professor Kisten said the Kavady ceremony demonstrated the commitment of the people to becoming involved in their cultural and religious traditions and values.
Another senior official, Mrf Reggie Naidoo, said the Kavady ceremony involved a great deal of preparations by a dedicated group of people.
"For instance we had to prepare 28 pots of beryani and three pots of dhall to feed the people. In order to do this we had to speak to well-wishers and donors to obtain the necessary food stuffs. The people involved in cooking the meals had to come to the temple a little after mid-night on Sunday morning to carry out the necessary tasks.
"We are really grateful to all those involved in the preparations and successful conclusion of the Kavady ceremony."
Mr Naidoo said this year there were many people who were people with a Hindi background who had also taken part in the Kavady ceremony.
"We also had an African mother and her child carrying the Kavady this year," he said.
One of the devotees, Mr Barry Naicker, said the Kavady ceremoney brought a great deal of spiritual satisfaction to him and his family.
"We are truly blessed to participate in this Kavady and here at Umdloti we gain a great deal of spiritual upliftment."
A visitor to the Kavady, Mr Richard Govender, of Effingham, said he was highly-impressed with the huge turn-out and the manner in which the Kavady was organised.
"The people involved must be congratulated for their efforts. Their sacrifices in time and money are contributions to the development of our communities," he said.
"I want to urge our people to re-commit themselves to their spirituality, cultures and traditions because without this we will be a lost community. We have to preserve and promote all that is good that have been left by our forefathers, who sacrificed so much for us.
"I want to encourage Umdloti temple and others to continue with the very good and magnanimous work they are doing." ends
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