Thaipoosam Cavadee is a significant Tamil festival that takes place in Mauritius, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean. The festival symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, and it is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the Hindu god of war. This holiday is one of the leading Tamil festivities in Mauritius and attracts both locals and tourists from around the world for its rich cultural representations and colorful ceremonies.
The Thaipoosam Cavadee festivities occur in January or February, depending on the Tamil calendar. Rituals leading up to the main event include fasting, praying and other forms of devotion such as carrying the Cavadee, a structure made of bamboo and decorated with flowers, peacock feathers, and pictures of Lord Muruga. This display symbolizes the burden that devotees are willing to bear in return for receiving blessings and protection from the god.
On the day of Thaipoosam Cavadea, devotees, after an elaborate ritual cleansing, usually carry the Cavadee in a ceremonial procession to the temple whilst chanting prayers. Many of them also pierce their body with needles, skewers, or hooks to show commitment, faith, and penance. Followed by the procession, devotees take a communal meal in the temple to mark the symbol of gratitude towards Lord Muruga. Thaipoosam Cavadee is not just a religious gathering; it also serves as a meeting point for family and friends, thus promoting the spirit of community and unity in Mauritius.