KUALA LUMPUR: Tomorrow, Leben Siddarth Kuppusamy will be joining other kavadi carriers and devotees in celebrating Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
Leben, 36, will carry the kavadi for the first time, as his way of saying thanks to Lord Muruga for answering his prayers for a healthy baby boy six years ago.
“I know I have taken a long time to fulfil my pledge, but it’s better late than never. I have been away over the years due to work commitments and I am finally settling down.”
The businessman, who stays in Overseas Union Garden here, began his Thaipusam preparations by commissioning a company to make a kavadi for him in November last year. He subsequently began a 48-day vegetarian diet.
Leben will be offering Lord Muruga a 45kg kavadi and climbing up the 272 steps of Batu Caves today, on the eve of Thaipusam, apart from having his cheeks pierced as part of the ritual.
He will be accompanied by his wife, Sheena Sylvie, 38, and their son, Dhashrrath Nathaniel, as well as family members and friends.
Leben will carry the two-tier kavadi for 3km from 7pm and is expected to arrive at Batu Caves at midnight.
Though a first timer, Leben said he was more than ready to honour Lord Muruga after having his prayers fulfilled.
“Sheena and I had relentlessly prayed to Lord Muruga for a child after six years of marriage.
“We were over the moon when she finally got pregnant. But there were multiple complications before the bundle of joy arrived,” Leben told the New Straits Times recently.
According to Leben, his wife went through a harrowing experience of a 13-hour labour where it was discovered that the baby’s head had disengaged.
Both the mother and the baby’s heartbeats were dropping rapidly and Sheena had to be rushed into the labour room for a Caesarean section delivery.
Leben said the doctors told him complications arose as the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck.
“I prayed to Lord Muruga for a smooth delivery and healthy baby. I pledged to return the favour by honouring him with a kavadi.
“Thankfully, my prayers were granted. My son is now 6. He’s healthy, cheerful and definitely a rascal.
“I am carrying the kavadi to show my utmost gratitude to Lord Muruga,” Leben said, while checking on the progress of his kavadi, which was being constructed at Dewan Indian Settlement in Batu Caves.
He hired Bala Kavadi Rental Services to design his two-tier kavadi, which bears 800 peacock feathers, the statue and portrait of Lord Muruga, the Ohm symbols in Tamil and spears (vel).
“I leave it to the makers to design the kavadi. I am happy with it and they are assisting me with the final adjustments.
“Seeing the kavadi makes me physically and mentally prepared to give my offerings to Lord Muruga,” he said.