Kavadi

The Tamil term kavadi refers to a ‘burden’ that is carried by a devotee as an act of devotion to the Hindu god, Lord Murugan. There are various types of kavadi, some involving body piercing and others that do not.

The simplest form, known as paal kavadi, consists of a short wooden pole topped with a wooden arch and a small pot of milk tied to each end as a sacred offering. These kavadis are typically adorned with images of Murugan and peacock feathers. The peacock is regarded as Murugan’s mount, in keeping with the mythical tradition of ascribing a special animal for each major deity.

A more elaborate version, the alagu (small spears) kavadi, features numerous spears, some even as long as three feet, piercing various parts of the carrier’s upper body. A stainless steel or aluminium framework is secured to the devotee using a belt and shoulder pads. This practice of body piercing bears a similarity to acts of self-mortification in some other religions.  In Hinduism, it symbolises a devotional ordeal undertaken to purify the body and soul and to perform penance.

Another variation is the sangili (chained) kavadi, in which chains are attached to the devotee’s body instead of skewers. Both the alagu and sangilikavadis typically weigh between 20 and 40 kg, depending on their size and design. The arigadamkavadi is distinct in that it is supported by four stainless steel rods pierced directly into the devotee’s waist, eliminating the need for a belt.

The ratha kavadi is another type, in which a downsized chariot is hooked to the devotee’s back by piercing the body and pulled along during the processional route.

In Singapore, kavadis are commonly carried during Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram processions. Thaipusam falls in the Tamil month of Thai, while Panguni Uthiram occurs in the Tamil month of Panguni. On both occasions, devotees of Murugan carry the kavadi to offer penance, fulfil vows and seek blessings.

Historically, kavadis in Singapore were handcrafted by local artisans. However, over time, sourcing components from India became more cost-effective, leading to a transnational production process. Today, kavadi designs are conceptualised in Singapore, parts are procured from India, and the final assembly is completed locally.

The tradition of making and carrying kavadis originated in India and has spread worldwide through migrant communities. In countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, Tamil communities continue the practice of body-piercing.  However, in India, spike kavadis are banned. During Thaipusam in 2025, approximately 300 devotees carried spike kavadis amongst a total of 16,000 participants. This ancient tradition remains deeply rooted in Singapore’s Tamil community, demonstrating its enduring spiritual and cultural significance. 



For More Information
“Kavadi-Making.” Roots.sg. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.roots.gov.sg/ich-landing/ich/kavadi-making. 
Gopal, Nalina. “The Divine Lance: Thaipusam and Murugan Worship in Singapore.” BiblioAsia 18, no. 4 (Jan–Mar 2023). https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-18/issue-4/jan-mar-2023/thaipusam-murugan-singapore. 
Krishnasamy, Janarthanan. “Almost 16,000 Devotees Take Up Milk Pots and Kavadis at Thaipusam 2025.” The Straits Times, 11 February 2025. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/almost-16000-devotees-take-up-milk-pots-and-kavadis-at-thaipusam-2025. 
Vardni, Vishnu. “Thaipusam 2024 drums up cheer and hope for 18,000 devotees.” The Straits Times, 25 January 2024. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/thaipusam-2024-drums-up-cheer-and-hope-for-18000-devotees. 

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.