White-feathered kavadi, lifelong devotion [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: White peacock feathers are the defining feature of the kavadi Mahadevan Santhil Nathan makes for Thaipusam, a ritual he sees not as a date, but as a discipline of the soul.

A former pastry chef, the 31-year-old brings the precision of the culinary discipline to his devotional work as founder of Vellai Mayil Kavadi, a kavadi group he established in 2017.

It is the 11th year Mahadevan is carrying the kavadi, a journey, he says, began with a vow to Lord Murugan during a period of personal struggle.

“I prayed for a proper job. In return, I promised to carry kavadi. I thought it would be only once, but it has continued until today,” he said.

What distinguishes Mahadevan’s kavadi is the white peacock feathers, a colour he says symbolises purity.

“The white feathers make me happy. My group and I are full of joy carrying our kavadi.”

Each year, he makes six or seven kavadi, though this year he has limited the number to four. None are for money.

Mahadevan makes kavadi only for members of his group and for special requests.

“We do this for spiritual reasons,” he said, adding that the process is collaborative and meticulous.

Styrofoam components are handcarved by a company in Ipoh, based on his designs.

Mahadevan then completes the kavadi with lights and decorations and reinforces the structure with the bearers’ movements in mind.

“When we carry kavadi, we dance. The structure must not break,” he said.

Thaipusam, which is today, is a Hindu festival celebrated by Tamil communities in honour of Lord Murugan, the god of war and victory.

It is marked by acts of penance such as fasting, body piercing and the carrying of kavadi, which are ornate structures borne on the shoulders.

Those fulfilling a vow for Thaipusam go through 48 days of fasting, vegetarian meals, daily prayers and weekend home sessions of bhajan, which are devotional hymns.

The focus, he said, is total physical, mental and spiritual readiness.

“If I’m not healthy, I can’t fulfil my vows.”

The most demanding moment comes not at the start of the procession, but near its end.

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After hours of dancing to urumi and nadaswaram rhythms, the body weakens. What remains is intent.

“We fix our minds on one thing only — to reach Lord Murugan’s feet.”

Mahadevan sees kavadi-making as a living tradition, not a dying art.

Young devotees, he said, are eager to learn and he has guided several to make their own.

One day, he hopes to pass the knowledge to his son, Gaurav.

“Everyone’s kavadi is beautiful. Each one comes from effort. We must encourage each other,” he said.

For Mahadevan, that encouragement, given quietly and consistently, is devotion itself.

In George Town, Penang, V. Selvakumar, or Sugu, has been making kavadi for more than three decades.

“Many people are making kavadi today. But experience cannot be replaced. Quality comes from discipline and love,” Sugu said.

The 51-year-old has seen the ups and downs of kavadi making, with the number of experienced craftsmen dwindling to five in recent years.

“To survive for 30 years, you need patience.

“Money alone cannot keep you here,” he added.

During the peak season, he works past midnight, often with six hours of sleep or less.

He maintains a strict vegetarian diet and mental discipline.

“When I start, I fix my mindset. Prayer, focus. Devotional work needs this kind of discipline.

“Only then do you get blessings,” he said.

Sugu continues to evolve his craft, using 3D techniques and machine-assisted tools to enhance precision without compromising artistry.

Every kavadi is bespoke.

“One person, one kavadi,” he said.

“I craft for the person. I concentrate on every part.”

He oversees every stage, from sketching and carving to brushing, painting and polishing.

While he received up to 45 requests this season, he capped the orders to around 20 to ensure quality.

“If I take too many orders, I cannot give my best. This is devotional work. I must respect it,” he said.

Devotees in Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore have sought out Sugu to build their kavadi.

His signature lies in bold multi-colour combinations, intricate carvings and recurring motifs such as the lotus, symbolising purity and rebirth.

“Colour is my specialty. I decide the balance. I update my designs every year,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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