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Whenever there is an incidence of small-pox or 'Amma' as it is called - a contagious disease - the devotees perform 'Karaga' to propitiate Maramma. A decorated pot three fourth full of water is kept on a bamboo square and keeping this on his head the dancer dances with great devotion to the music of 'Nadaswaram and dhol holding a sword in his hand; this indeed is an athletic - acrobatic feat. The main idea is that this pot should not fall off from the head while the dancer is dancing-as such - requires days of practice.
Similarly the 'Kavadi' dance is performed by a priest of a Devotee. Since decades this is performed in front of Subramanya Swamy Temple at the top of the Hill in Palani. 'Kavadi' is a square bamboo structure representing the insignia of the Lord. It is decorated with peacock feathers and colourful clothes. In the center, a small pot of milk is kept. This is usually called Subramanya Swamy Kavadi. The performer wears an orange or saffron coloured 'Dhoti', flower garlands on his neck and holding the 'Kavadi' on this shoulders, climbs up the steps leading to the shrine at the top of the hill at Palani and goes on dancing into a dancing frenzy. It is said that the behavior, skill and movements of the dancer are due to the inspiration desired from the god. These religious dances are a special feature of Tamilnadu.
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