Come Aadi, it is Kavadi walk across Vellore

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsRural Vellore is abuzz with devotional activities during the holy Tamil month of Aadi. Almost every Hindu household here undertake the most awaited pilgrimage to Tiruttani, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, every year to fulfill vows. Observing strict ‘vratam’ and attired in saffron clothing, they begin their ‘padayatra’ (walk) in groups a week before the Adi Krithigai, carrying a semi circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod called “Kavadi” up to Tiruttani some 100 km away. On their way, devotees chant and sing hymns in praise of Lord Muruga.What is more interesting is that villages residents en route host the ‘padayatris’ with care and love, and provide food and beverages. On an average, devotees cover 25 km a day and spend nights in public places like schools, pyols and temples.Prior to resuming their journey the next day, they take bath in the village wells or fountains. Their journey is well planned and each member meticulously follows the protocol.By and large, the Kavadi festival, one of the biggest events in the district, exhibits the cultural and traditional traits of locals who enjoy hosting devotees, sharing their warmth and wishes for social amity.The belief behind Kavadi is that it destroys ego, so that one attains divinity, besides involving in rigorous walking exercise with less food, says 70-year-old Sivasamy, who has been organising groups of devotees for the past 40 years “Group walking and chanting refreshes the body and mind,” he added.“Organising people from various walks of life is not an easy task. Each one of them before joining the group will be given strict instructions on disciplinary code and behavioural aspects during the pilgrimage,” he explains.Maragadammal, another group leader, who manages all the women devotees, points out that the ritual of Kavadi, in fact, bridged everyone, cutting across the barriers of communities, sects, education and social status. “The priority is on socialisation as a prerequisite to devotion that we carry forward to God and this exercise provides a good platform to understand the greatness of friendship and love,” she says.first published:January 01, 1970, 05:30 ISTlast updated:January 01, 1970, 05:30 IST
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Rural Vellore is abuzz with devotional activities during the holy Tamil month of Aadi. Almost every Hindu household here undertake the most awaited pilgrimage to Tiruttani, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, every year to fulfill vows. Observing strict ‘vratam’ and attired in saffron clothing, they begin their ‘padayatra’ (walk) in groups a week before the Adi Krithigai, carrying a semi circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod called “Kavadi” up to Tiruttani some 100 km away. On their way, devotees chant and sing hymns in praise of Lord Muruga.

What is more interesting is that villages residents en route host the ‘padayatris’ with care and love, and provide food and beverages. On an average, devotees cover 25 km a day and spend nights in public places like schools, pyols and temples.

Prior to resuming their journey the next day, they take bath in the village wells or fountains. Their journey is well planned and each member meticulously follows the protocol.

By and large, the Kavadi festival, one of the biggest events in the district, exhibits the cultural and traditional traits of locals who enjoy hosting devotees, sharing their warmth and wishes for social amity.

The belief behind Kavadi is that it destroys ego, so that one attains divinity, besides involving in rigorous walking exercise with less food, says 70-year-old Sivasamy, who has been organising groups of devotees for the past 40 years “Group walking and chanting refreshes the body and mind,” he added.

“Organising people from various walks of life is not an easy task. Each one of them before joining the group will be given strict instructions on disciplinary code and behavioural aspects during the pilgrimage,” he explains.

Maragadammal, another group leader, who manages all the women devotees, points out that the ritual of Kavadi, in fact, bridged everyone, cutting across the barriers of communities, sects, education and social status. “The priority is on socialisation as a prerequisite to devotion that we carry forward to God and this exercise provides a good platform to understand the greatness of friendship and love,” she says.