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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.