WITH Thaipusam approaching, the home of Perumal Ramu Govindasamy, 36, a technician by day and kavadi maker at night, is a hive of activity.
Since September last year, he has been designing and assembling kavadi for his customers from as far as Perak, Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan.
Driving past his house, one can see more than 10 beautiful, intricately designed kavadi of all shapes and sizes placed at his porch.
Perumal, who began making kavadi at the age of 19, said his fascination was sparked when as a child he saw devotees participating in the Thaipusam procession and climbing the 272 steps to the Batu Caves temple.
Though none of his family members have shown interest in kavadi-making, it did not stop Perumal from learning the trade as he wanted to keep the tradition alive.
To meet customers’ orders, Perumal spends close to six hours a day assembling kavadi after leaving his office at 5.30pm. He gets help from five of his friends.
The father-of-one said he started preparing to make kavadi in March last year when he ordered raw materials and decorative items from India.
While waiting for the shipments to arrive, he scouted for statues of Lord Murugan, Lord Hanuman and paraphernalia, such as peacock feathers and light-emitting diode lights, from Little India in Klang and Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur.
“When I first started making kavadi, I received 18 orders, but the number has since soared.
“This year, I have orders for 60 kavadi. To protect the kavadi, I keep them in my house and porch, but I have run out of space. Luckily, my neighbour, who has moved out, allowed me to use his porch.
“My customers tell me the size of the kavadi and I will sketch the designs. They leave the decorations to me. I consult my wife, Puspavathy Muthusamy, on what I can improve.
“I then begin carving the design out of styrofoam, spray paint it, and build the wooden and steel frames. Depending on the design and structure, it takes between four days and a month to complete one kavadi.
“The heaviest I have built for my customer this time weighs 30kg. The most important consideration when making a kavadi is to ensure the weight is evenly distributed and the bearer is able to carry it with ease.
“As kavadi is dedicated to Lord Murugan and devotees will give it as an offering, everything must be perfect. I take each and every kavadi seriously,” said Perumal, who charges between RM750 and RM1,500 per kavadi.
Perumal also makes kavadi for himself and his 5-year-old son, Parventhan.
“I am still designing mine, which weighs 60kg.
“I have completed my son’s 5kg kavadi. I hope my wish to have another child will be answered.”
Perumal said the kavadi would be dismantled and transported by lorry to Batu Caves before being re-assembled on Jan 27 and handed over to his customers.
Perumal said he would be staying in Batu Caves from Jan 27 to Jan 31. He would be joined by his wife and son on Thaipusam eve.
“I have a passion for making kavadi and I hope the younger generation picks up the craft.
“I am more than happy to share and teach them,” he said.