Kavadi Festival at Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur

The Kavadi Festival at Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur is one of the most spectacular celebrations in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Murugan. The temple is also one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Every year during the Tamil month of Aadi (in between July and August), the temple commemorates a grand celebration inviting lakhs of devotees across the nation. The Kavadi festival is a fusion of religion, sacrifice, splendour, and tradition. The Kavadi is the extreme suffering and sacrifices a devotee endures in order to offer his devotion to Lord Muruga. Traditionally, a kavadi is a wooden pole with two baskets suspended from it which contains offerings to the deity. Peacock feathers and a large number of brass bells are used to embellish the Kavadis. Rice, milk, or any other items that the devotee has pledged to give the Lord in his Vow are often placed in the two baskets. The Kavadi bearer follows intense fasting and restrictions until the day of the offering. The Agni Kavadi can be noticed during this festival in which the devotee must cross a pit of flaming coals while carrying the Kavadi. The Kavadi bearer exuberantly marches across the red-hot embers, encouraged by the spectators, along with the sound of the drums, and the aroma of the burning incense sticks. Every year, lakhs of devotees throng the temple to celebrate this spectacular festival.