Self-sacrifice and bearing pain or burdens are considered the quintessence of devotion in the worship culture of South India. These acts of devotion are celebrated with vibrant and acoustic plays and dances. Kavadiyattam is one such form of celebration, as a part of the worship of Lord Muruka or Subrahmanya. Rooted in Tamil culture, Kavadiyattam is equally celebrated in Subrahmanya temples in Kerala. The term Kavadiyattam literally means ‘the dance with Kavadi.’ Kavadi signifies the ‘burdens’ that one carries on their shoulders and submits to the deity to attain bliss. A kavadi consists of two semi-circular pieces of wood or steel that are bent and attached to a cross structure, allowing it to be balanced on the shoulders of the devotee. The performance usually occurs in a procession to the temple. The arch-shaped structure decorated with peacock feathers is called 'Peeli Kavadi,' while the one adorned with flowers/artificial flowers is called 'Poo Kavadi.' The tall structure that resembles the tower of a temple (gopura) is called 'Ambala Kavadi' or 'Nila Kavadi.'

Legend
The mythical story behind Kavadiyattam says that Lord Shiva assigned the sage Agasthya to install two hillocks in South India, Shivagiri and Shakthigri, in honor of Shiva and Shakti (Parvathy). Agasthya left them in a forest and sent his disciple Idumban to retrieve them. On the way, Idumban kept the hillock down and rested for some time. Later he could not lift the hill from land. At that point of time, a boy appeared and claimed ownership of the hill- that was Lord Muruga. Realising the boy's identity, Idumban sought his blessing. Idumban prayed Muruga for those carrying a kavadi, symbolising the two hills, to be blessed, abundantly. He also requested to stand as a guard at the hill's entrance. Thus, devotees began climbing the hill, carrying kavadi on their shoulders to worship Murugan. That place is believed to be present-day Palani in Tamil Nadu. The Muruga temple atop Palani hill is a major pilgrimage site today. This tradition later spread to different parts of South Indian temples and became a major ceremony at Murugan temples.

Tradition and Practice
Kavadiyattam is a ceremonial ritual practiced by devotees as an offering to the lord, rather than as an art form. Pilgrims undergo a six-week preparation period involving meditation, early morning baths, chanting, vegetarian diets, and a 24-hour fast on the eve of the ritual. The practice is associated with pain-bearing customs such as piercing various body parts like the cheeks, tongue, and upper back with long metal rods known as vel or shoolam, symbolising the weapon of Lord Muruga. Some pilgrims opt to perform only Kavadiyattam without ‘shoolam tharaykkal’ (piercing with the shoolam). The custom is a prime example of the ancient Dravidian culture of worship, showcasing the dedicated devotion of fellow devotees who sacrifice and endure pain as an offering to the Lord in pursuit of bliss.

Kavadiyattam follows the rhythm of percussions like chenda, udukku, and Nadaswaram. Participants execute specific footwork in forward and backward directions, often spinning around a significant number of times, adding visual appeal with their beautifully decorated Kavadis. Men who carry the kavadi wear saffron or yellow mundu/dothi (long lower garment) and a matching towel to cover their upper body or sometimes go bare-chested, adorned with flower garlands. While men commonly carry large kavadis, female devotees also partake in Kavadiyattam, often dressed in saffron or yellow sarees. Another variant of Kavadiyattam is ‘paal kavadi,’ where devotees carry a pot of milk on their heads decorated as a kavadi. One of the most striking variants of kavadi is the 'vel kavadi,' where a tall altar is attached to the devotee through multiple vels pierced on the chest and back. Devotees, through their dedicated prayer and devotion, claim to enter a trance state, overcoming the pain. 

Thai Pooyam / Thaipusam in January or February, Painkuni Uthram in April or May, and Skanda Shasti in October or November are major occasions when Kavadiyattam is a common ceremony and festival. In addition, there are other special days and regional festival days when Kavadiyattam occurs in various temples.