KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, February 1, 2004: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Committee is advising kavadi bearers for the Thaipusam festival on February 5 to maintain it as a religious festival and not a fun party. Kavadi is the practice of devotees carrying large decorated arches on their shoulders a long distance a temple. They usually pierce their skin with many small spears. This is a form of penance, but in recent years has degenerated among some to more of a spectacle. This crackdown by the temple is long overdue.
Temple chairman R. Nadarajah said “kavadi” bearers are banned from having “vel” (spears) of more than one metre (three feet) pierced through their cheeks in fulfillment of their vows to the deity, Lord Subramaniam. “The temple authorities would not allow “kavadi” bearers to engage in the dangerous acts of standing or walking on the cutting edge of parangs or knives or other sharp objects, he said. Devotees would also not be allowed to lash whips or smoke cheroot (a large Tamil cigar) while fulfilling their vows.
“The management has received complaints that some people carrying the kavadi are making a religious mockery of themselves like smearing the red kum-kum (vermilion powder) on the tongue.” He said many youngsters had started turning the annual religious festival into a fun party and did not properly observe the fast and meditation. “Those who breach the rules will be stopped by the policemen at the main entrance of the temple. The committee will also not hesitate to splash water on those who have kum-kum on their face,” said Nadarajah, adding that this is giving the wrong idea to the tourists and non-Hindus.
He said only traditional Indian musical instruments like the thavil, nadaswaram, udukai and melam would be allowed. Bongos or any other foreign instruments are strictly prohibited. “No vehicles will be allowed to enter the compound to avoid congestion.” He advised those going to the Thaipusam festival to use bus or train services to avoid parking problems and urged devotees to refrain from carrying excess money and flaunting their jewelry. Devotees will also be able to watch the festival from a giant 6 feet by 8 feet screen at the temple ground. About 1.5 million people are expected at the three-day festival. Thaipusam, which falls in the month of Thai, which is the 10th month in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated between January and February as a homage to Lord Muruga who is the embodiment of virtue, valor, youth, beauty and power.
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