Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The best time of year to visit the temple is during one of its festivals, the most striking of
which is the
Thaipusam Festival
,
held in January/February. The festival attracts worship-
pers from around the world, and sees pierced devotees dragging chariots using meat hooks
inserted through their flesh.
THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL
The bizarre
Thaipusam Festival
at Nadi's Sri Siva Subrahmanya Swami Temple calls to-
gether thousands of Hindu worshippers to celebrate the birthday of Subrahmanya, or Lord
Murugan, the god of war worshipped amongst South Indians. During the ten-day festival
held over the full moon between January and February, devotees arrive at the temple to
pray and cleanse their spirits. Some prove their faith with multiple
body piercings
on the
chest, arms, face and tongue while others drag
chariots
, or
kavadris
, attached by sharpened
meat hooks to their backs. It's a fascinating and highly photogenic festival and you'll be
offered free food and invited to join in the celebrations, which are accompanied by dancing
musicians. Be sure to observe common courtesies such as removing shoes before entering
the temple grounds and not attending if you have recently drunk alcohol.
