For 50 years, Mr Vairavan Marimuthu carried the kavadi annually for Thaipusam. His routine was abruptly halted 10 years ago after he experienced a heart attack. He has since stayed away from the physical rigours of the festival on doctor’s orders to prioritise his recovery.
This year, however, the 72-year-old has been medically cleared to return. But the motivation for his comeback is to accompany his grandson, Mr Darshan Sevaraj, 23, who first started carrying the kavadi in 2019.
While Mr Vairavan was on his hiatus, Mr Darshan made an independent decision to take up the practice. It was not a request from his family, but a personal vow.
“Months before Panguni Uthiram, I prayed for something specific,” Mr Darshan explains. “I told Lord Murugan that if it came true, I would carry a Kavadi. When it happened, I knew I had to keep my word.”
Mr Darshan admits the decision surprised his family, as he has a low tolerance for pain. “They thought I was joking at first,” he said. “But when they realised I was serious, they stood by me.”
Seeing his grandson take up the practice during his own hiatus inspired Mr Vairavan. With his health improved, he decided he would not let Mr Darshan walk alone.
This year, Mr Darshan built his Kavadi from scratch, spending nights threading tassels and arranging peacock feathers. His grandfather provided guidance based on his decades of experience, while the rest of the family rallied to support the logistics.
“Darshan grew up watching his grandfather,” says his mother, Mdm Nirmala Murugasu, 52, an enrolled nurse. “Seeing them prepare to walk together makes us happy. It shows our culture is being passed on to the next generation.”
Mr Haranesh Sevaraj, 22, Darshan’s younger brother currently serving his National Service, notes that his role has evolved. Previously, he walked in support of his grandfather and, later, his brother; this year, he serves as a pillar of support for both men.
Mr Vairavan acknowledges that physically, things are different compared to ten years ago. “My age is different now, but the faith is the same,” he said. “I have a belief that if I hold onto Lord Murugan, he will look after me.”
For Mr Darshan, the focus is on fulfilling his promise. He noted that while the physical preparation is intense, the mental focus, aided by the traditional music and family support, helps overcome the fear of pain.
“Once the music starts and you focus, the adrenaline takes over,” Mr Darshan said. “The satisfaction of reaching the temple is the best feeling.”
For Mr Vairavan, the goal for his return is simple: “To walk with my grandson. That is enough.”
