The annual spiritual journey to Palani is scheduled to take place between May 12 and 14. Registrations are currently open.

Coimbatore-based Rathina Kumar is the managing trustee of the Kaavadi Charitable Trust. One of the activities of the trust includes collecting donations from sponsors and making arraignments for the annual spiritual trip, by foot, from Pollachi to Palani for the several hundred devotees who believe in its significance.

The trust expects at least 500 devotees to participate in this annual event. A majority of devotees are expected to carry the Kaavadi throughout their journey. Kaavadi is a wooden structure in the shape of an arch, which is carried on the shoulders by the devotees. The kaavadi is decorated with red, yellow, or orange colour fabric, and peacock feathers, representing the celestial vehicle of Lord Muruga. The two sides of the kaavadi contain bags that are filled with offerings for Lord Muruga. It is believed that taking the kaavadi along the journey and offering it to Lord Murugan brings peace, good luck and prosperity.

The entire 65-kilometre journey from Pollachi to Palani will be covered by the devotees in three days by foot. Considering the rising temperature and the harsh weather, the members of the trust have planned the journey in such a way that most of the walking takes place either before sunrise or in the evenings.

As per schedule, the group will begin its journey from Pollachi at 3 pm on May 12. After offering prayers at the Amman temple the devotees will walk about 20 kilometres on this day. They will halt for dinner and stay at a private marriage hall on the first night.

The following morning, before sunrise, the group will begin its journey. They will cross Udumalpet and will halt at a marriage hall. During the day, the group will sing bhajans and keertans praising Lord Muruga. That evening, before sunset, they will begin the last leg of the spiritual journey. They will cover a distance of 20-kilometres. On the morning of May 14, they will reach the famous Lord Murugan temple in Palani.

“As a precautionary measure, all the devotees will be given glow stickers to be stuck on their dresses. The last leg of the journey is the most challenging as the roads are narrow. However, throughout the journey devotees will sing bhajans and dance. One must experience this spiritual journey at least once in their life. It is also believed that those who carry the Kaavadi and offer it to Lord Muruga, will have their wishes granted,” Rathina Kumar said. He also added that the entire trip for all the devotees, including accommodation and food, is taken care of by the trust.

Kaavadi Charitable Trust was formed in 1999. This is the 17th annual spiritual trip to Palani organized by the trust.