GEORGE TOWN: With Thaipusam less than a week away, kavadi makers in Penang are racing against time to complete their orders.
Just like last year, many opt for traditional grand kavadis this year, after not being able to celebrate Thaipusam due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
One such kavadi maker is P. Kumaraganeson, 38, who is being mentored by S. Selvaraja, 44. This is Kumaraganeson's second year making kavadis while Selvaraja has been making kavadis since the age of 19.
Kumaraganeson said they had been receiving orders for grand kavadis since two months ago.
Some requested for the full-size kavadi while others made orders for the cut-out parts and pieces so that they could put together the kavadi themselves, he added.
He said of the 22 orders they received this year, an increase from 14 orders last year, 12 were grand kavadis.
He said it took them between eight and 10 days to complete a kavadi, depending on the complexity of the designs and colours.
"Since it was my first time making the kavadi last year, I did not accept that many orders. Furthermore, last year was the first year we celebrated Thaipusam openly after a muted celebration for two years due to Covid-19.
"This year, with things back to normal, more orders came in and we are more than happy to accept them.
"Also, we are still open to accepting orders for simple kavadis," he told the New Straits Times at the grounds of the Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple in River Road here, where he is making kavadis with Selvaraja and assisted by friends.
Kumaraganeson said they started preparations two months back, sourcing for raw materials such as colours, foams and plywoods, with prices for the raw materials increasing again this year.
A grand kavadi now costs between RM1,200 and RM1,500.
"We know that this is an important and auspicious Hindu festivity and we will try our very best to fulfil whatever requests we receive.
"With experience, I hope to master the art of sculpting intricate designs for kavadis in the future."
Kumaraganeson goes on a vegetarian diet prior to making kavadis as he believes that purity and cleanliness will prosper his art of making kavadis and that he will have the blessings of God.
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.
In Malaysia, Thaipusam is celebrated on a grand scale at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, Selangor, and the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Penang.
Thaipusam in Penang is not just a festival but a breathtaking blend of culture, faith and communal harmony, celebrated with a fervour that mirrors the island's rich diversity.
Thaipusam here is unique in its traditions and celebrations with the dual chariot procession, the significant involvement of the Chinese kavadi bearers and smashing of coconuts.