SUNGAI PETANI: Despite carrying the kavadi since childhood, 33-year-old Nanthagoballa Morganan has developed a deeper understanding about the practice in adulthood.
The kavadi, a vital component in the Hindu Thaipusam celebration, symbolises a grand gesture to honour individual pledges.
Nanthagoballa expressed that he now embraces Thaipusam as a profound day of devotion, dedicated to fulfilling vows he made to Lord Murugan.
His remarkable kavadi, acquired from Singapore and intricately crafted in India, takes the form of an elephant head adorned with peacock feathers.
The kavadi's unique arrangement of feathers changes yearly, ensuring a distinct appearance.
"Last year, I attempted a smaller design. This time, each ornament section showcases 150 peacock feathers to make it larger and more captivating," he said when met at his house in Sungai Petani here yesterday.
Nanthagoballa said his kavadi, weighing up to 25 kilogrammes with additional adornments like flowers and milk for idol bathing, will embark on a nearly seven-kilometre journey, accompanied by his family members.
"I will be carrying the kavadi to the Sri Subramaniya Swami Devasthanam on Thaipusam.
"I dedicate this effort as a gesture of gratitude to Lord Murugan for the blessings throughout the year. My parents and family provided unwavering support during the preparations.
"Observing a month-long vegetable fast was part of my routine. My family members also joined me in this practice as a sign of solidarity, participating in every prayer ceremony or 'pooja'," he added.
This year will be the 238th year Thaipusam is being celebrated.
Thaipusam commemorates the day when, according to Hindu belief, the goddess Parvarthi gave Lord Muruga a lance to slay demons.
Thaipusam celebrations in Malaysia are vibrant, with key locations including Batu Caves-Selangor, Georgetown, Ipoh, Sungai Petani, Kuching, and Johor Baru.