Tamils celebrated Cavadee in Grand Bay, Mauritius on July 21st 2014 to demonstrate their affection and allegiance to Lord Muruga.
Devotees fast for ten days. Preceding the celebration devotees also prepare the Cavadee which was constructed with wood and decorated with green leaves, banana tree bark, coconut shoots and flowers.
On the tenth day of fasting, the penitents assembled by the beach in Grand Bay, Mauritius before moving in procession to a temple for the rites of purification. In the spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice, the penitents had their bodies pierced with the needles. The needles pierce the skin in symmetrical arcs and patterns on the chest, the back, the torso, the arms and the thighs. In some cases a longer needle is driven through the cheeks and another needle is driven straight through the tongue. The devotee is then unable to speak.The procession headed by Lord Muruga's chariot slowly makes its way to the temple with continuous readings and religious songs.
Once inside the temple the Cavadee is dismounted and devotees bring the brass pots filled with milk to the priest. The milk is poured over the deity from head to foot and this blessed milk is drunk and shared by everyone. Finally the the needles are removed and an act of great sacrifice has been consummated and Lord Muruga has blessed everyone.
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