Thaipusam: Through the eyes of a devotee

Ganesh, 55, participating for the 42nd time in the festivities, and bearing of the kavadi.

Mr S Ganesh, a Hindu devotee, carried his first kavadi at the age of 14, starting with the paal (milk pot) kavadi with forehead and tongue piercings, and 6 kanis (lemons) piercings on the chest. “I remember my first kavadi dance, and arriving at Sri Thendayuthapani Murugan temple bearing my first kavadi. The satisfaction in completing my vow successfully motivated me to start planning for the following year’s Thaipusam immediately,” Ganesh shares with excitement.

Ganesh carrying his first paal kavadi back in 1982, at the age of 14.

It was tradition that introduced Ganesh to kavadi bearing, but his passion stemmed from seeing his father being actively involved in the festivals yearly, and largely from watching kavadi dancing in worship of Lord Murugan, who is revered as the vanquisher of evil and deity of youth, virtue and power. This inspired Ganesh to display his love and gratitude towards Lord Murugan as he embarked on his own journey as a devotee.

Ganesh's family members offering drinks to devotees at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a family tradition started by his father since the 1970s.

The word ‘kavadi’ means burden. As devotees bear the load to ask for forgiveness, fulfil a vow or offer thanks to Lord Murugan, taking on the task of carrying it involves sacrifice. Ganesh prepares and conditions himself in the days leading up to the event by observing a fasting period of 7 to 9 days, followed by a strict vegetarian diet, and also sleeping on the floor to observe celibacy.

“The main reason for this fasting period, to me, is to abstain from any type of luxury and comfortable lifestyle, and devote myself to Lord Murugan while preparing for the big day,” he explains.

Ganesh's preparation for Thaipusam includes sticking to a strict vegetarian diet.

Most people are curious about the physical pain devotees have to endure as they bear a kavadi. Ganesh explains that in preparation for the procedure, he stays focused and channels his thoughts towards Lord Murugan and the vows he has to fulfil. Even as a veteran who has done this many times, the anticipation of the first pierce of the day, and the joy he experiences after is still something he looks forward to, year after year.

Ganesh readies himself for the walk to Sri Thandayuthapani temple after getting his piercings.

Having his family as a support system plays a huge part in his journey. From the moral support they lend, to piecing the kavadi together, Ganesh credits over 40 years of successful kavadi bearing to his family being his pillars.

One of the things Ganesh is always grateful for is the support from his family, like coming together to create and piece his kavadi with him.

This year, Ganesh carried the harigandam kavadi which is supported with four rods pierced onto his waist.

Unlike most other spike kavadis, which are supported on the waist with a belt, a harigandam kavadi requires piercings onto the devotee's waist for support.

For Ganesh, what he would really like people to understand about Thaipusam is the sincerity of the devotees who are fulfilling their vows, regardless of the type of kavadi he or she bears. “I always believe Lord Murugan accepts all offerings, love and affection shown by each individual devotee who comes to his doorstep. I have also seen many non-Indians participating in Thaipusam, and lots of tourists from all around the world coming to witness the event. As such, we must always remember to uphold our religion’s and nation’s image by observing the correct practices to fulfil our vows.”

At the end of the procession at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, devotees present the offerings to Lord Murugan, before proceeding to dismantle the kavadis.

As Ganesh shares his journey passionately with us, it’s easy to see why Thaipusam means ‘celebration’ to him. More than just the festivities, it’s a celebration of devotion, endurance, gratitude, kinship, and love in various forms.

How Thaipusam came about

Thaipusam is usually celebrated between the months of January and February, on the full moon day of the 10th month (‘Thai’) of the Tamil calendar.

Legend has it that Lord Siva sent his son Subramaniam to help the Devas (celestial beings) after hearing their pleas for help when they were plagued by asuras (demons). Today, the image we see of Lord Subramaniam, better known as Lord Murugan, on Thaipusam day, is a reflection of how he appeared before his devotees after he conquered the asuras – adorned with brilliant jewels, armed with a golden spear and seated on a chariot.

Bravery, power, virtue, and beauty – these are what Lord Murugan symbolises. Above that, the Hindus also believe that Lord Murugan has the power to bless devotees by granting their wishes. This is why devotees bear kavadis to seek his blessings, and to give thanks for wishes granted.

In Singapore, the Thaipusam procession takes place from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road, to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (also known as the Chettiars’ Temple) on Tank Road. Devotees would start their preparations before the crack of dawn, and begin their journey on foot, carrying their kavadis, along with their supporters.