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Where's the Party?
One of the most popular festivals in South Africa is the
Hindu festival of Kavadi which takes place twice a
year in Durban. The festival is celebrated throughout
South Africa by Hindus, but especially so in Durban. The highest
concentration of temples in the city is in the Cato Manor
District of West Durban which is the best place to catch the
festival. It is celebrated twice a year in January or February
and April orMay.
What Happens at Kavadi?
Devotees of the God Muruga perform penance and carry
the kavadi (basket float decorated with flowers) to a temple
in the city. The penance involve the individuals working themselves
into a trancelike state and then piercing their bodies with
hooks or inserting miniature spears through the tongue. Some
pull wagons with hooks in their backs and others carry the
kavadis suspended to their skin by an elaborate selection
of hooks and spears.
The devotees experience very little pain as they fast, meditate
and reach a deeply trancelike state for weeks before the actual
festival. Many put holy ash on their skin, which seems to
prevent bleeding. There is very little evidence of blood or
pain during this ceremony and is seem to be a very esoteric
art.
This is the most important festival amongst Indians in South
Africa. Hindus make up 70% of the countries population. Durban
actually has the biggest concentration of Hindus outside India.
The Hindus worship Muruga for his youth, virtue, healing abilities
and being able to dispel misfortune. Kavadi is a time that
is seen as the cleansing of the body and the mind and an opportunity
to seek Muruga's love, mercy and forgiveness.
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