Kavadi Aattam is a ritualistic dance, performed in worship of Lord
Muruga - the second son of
Lord Shiva. Kavadis are colorful bow-shaped wooden structures from six to ten feet tall, carried on heads by the dancers. Kavadis are of various sizes and shapes. The Ambalakavadi looks like, and is decorated like a temple. The Pookavadi is stuck with bunches of colorful paper, cloth or plastic flowers. Shoolakavadi features arrows struck all over the dancers body. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and the renowned wind instrument of south India, the nagaswaram, characterise the kavadi procession. This ritualistic dance is performed only by men.
