ONE of Thaipusam’s earliest kavadi, known as the Idumban kavadi, made its appearance in Penang, in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.

GEORGE TOWN: Thaipusam’s earliest kavadi, an Idumban kavadi, made its appearance at the festival here.

According to a Hindu legend, the tradition of bearing kavadi, which means “burden” in Tamil, on Thaipusam started after the demon Idumban journeyed towards the south of India carrying two ...

Kavadi bearers generally report that they do not feel pain while carrying the structures, as they are in a spiritual trance. Most women carry milk pots, and also may have their tongues pierced. 4.