Hindus celebrate through Kavadi procession in Seychelles

The multi-ethnic, mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles prides itself on the diversity of its population and the respect of each of the groups making the Creole population of these islands.

The multi-ethnic, mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles prides itself on the diversity of its population and the respect of each of the groups making the Creole population of these islands.

These islands were originally settled by groups coming from France, Africa, Great Britain, India, and China. Today, the islands proudly speak of the Seychellois Creole people as a melting pot of cultures living happily in harmony.

The islands last year celebrated their first Seychelles-Indian Day celebrations, and this has been followed last week with the Kavadi procession by the local Hindu population in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. This feast celebrated by the Thai Poosam Kavadi festival marks the birth of Lord Murugan, the Tamil God of war. The religious ceremony started at 7 am in the Hindu Temple with prayers where worshippers asked for the blessings of Lord Murugan. Some male worshippers endured this by having their skin and tongue pierced with silver and steel โ€œvelโ€ rods in many sizes, while women and children carried milk and other offerings for the god.

The one-hour procession unfolded under the watchful eyes of the Seychellois and tourists who lined up along some parts of the streets taking pictures.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...