Tamilzh Kural

GEORGE TOWN: Kavadi maker R. Karunagaran is toiling day and night to meet the demands of his customers as Thaipusam beckons.

So far, he has made about 20 kavadis which he sells for at least RM600 each, depending on the size.

He declined to reveal his most expensive kavadi, adding that they were mostly made of solid wood.

Karunagaran, 48, learned his trade in India when he was young.

“My interest began during a chariot procession and I have been carrying kavadi at temple grounds during Thaipusam celebrations since the age of 17.

“Subsequently, I decided to pick up the skills of making kavadi and went to India in the late 1970s,” he said.

He spent five years learning the various carving techniques to produce spectacular kavadis.

“With the latest technology these days, I can refine my creations by using advanced tools,” he added.

He also expressed the wish that his sons would learn the craft one day.

“However, I would not force them. It all depends on their interest,” he said.

Thaipusam falls on the 10th month of the Tamil calendar known as Thai.

During this time, the full moon is in transit through the brightest star known as Pusam, hence the name Thaipusam which also commemorates the birth of Lord Subramaniam (or Lord Muruga), the youngest son of Lord Shiva.