All set: Prasad (in grey) with his cousins T. Kuhan Rayer (in maroon), S. Mithylesh Rayer (in black) and P. Darvin Kumar (in olive green) putting finishing touches on their kavadis, which they will carry on Thaipusam at Prasad’s house in Sungai Nibong, Penang. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For two decades, area manager M. Prasad and his cousins have been observing the family tradition of carrying the kavadi.
This time, the 40-year-old will be joined by three cousins, with all having made their own kavadi over a period of two months.
“We are fourth-generation kavadi bearers in our family and have watched our parents and grandparents perform the ritual in their time.
“It is a special family tradition that we want our children to continue,” he said when met at his house in Sungai Nibong yesterday.
Prasad said he and his cousins turned vegetarians for 60 days and abstained from drinking alcohol or smoking.
“We wear the beaded malai (chain) and must be fully devoted to it. For the last five days, we wear the veshti (Indian traditional attire for men) and walk barefoot.
“We all have made individual vows for our parents’ good health and a successful business. One cousin is praying for his studies overseas,” he said, adding that four of them designed and made their own kavadi.
Prasad said putting in the work made each of their kavadi extra special, adding that one kavadi measures 2.4m high and 2.4m wide and weighed about 80kg.
“We had sleepless nights making (the kavadi) as we wanted to be elaborate and paint them in colourful hues. We also included an automated rotating ‘vel’ (Lord Muruga’s spear).
“The structure is made from plywood, polystyrene, aluminium and other decorative materials.”
Prasad said he and his cousins each will also pierce 308 paal kudam (small milk pots) on their bodies as well as pierce their foreheads, tongue and cheek.
“I will shave my head bald and carry the panchamirtham (a sweet offering for Hindu rituals, especially temple prayers, made of five ingredients) in four pots pierced into me,” he added.
