To prepare the devotees pray and fast for 48 days before the festival in order to cleanse themselves. On the day of the festival the devotees will shave their head and take a pilgrimage along a set rout while engaging in various acts of devotion that represent carrying their burdens. Such acts may consist of carrying pots of milk or carrying spiked kavadis (semi-circled structures which can be carried on ones shoulders) to show their devotion. Devotees also pierce their body or tongue to demonstrate their devotion. (A few graphic pictures are below).
A few weeks ago, I went to view the pilgrimage with a few spouses. It was amazing to see what these individuals would go through to devote themselves to their god.
The kavadis can be quite elaborate with beads, goal accents, and peacock feathers.
Devotees walk about a mile from one temple to another.
Some men had smaller individual milk pots pierced through their back.
On this day we were allowed to enter the temple as the men and women prepared themselves for this pilgrimage. The crowds of tourists taking photos (including myself) was overwhelming.
This man was being prepared and having his kavadis placed on his body with rods pierced through his body to support it's weight. As the crowds watched him and the bars were placed around him cameras were shoved all around as people angled to get the best photo. I'm sure this is not what they imagined would ever happen when they first started making this pilgrimage, which has now become a major tourist attraction in Little India.
I'm glad I went to learn more about this festival and see how devoted these individuals are to their religon.
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