Then there is also the chariot kavadi (above right) which is hooked onto the body. In Singapore, the procession starts five minutes after midnight from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road (first photo on left) with the milk pot carriers (paalkudam & paalkavadi). Only from 2am onwards do the spike and chariot kavadis start. Generally the majority make the journey in the night or before the heat of day. Those who choose the heat of day are usually spike and chariot kavadis. The route of Singapore's procession is down Serangoon Road towards Orchard Road. After the end of Selegie Road, they start along Penang Road but immediately turn onto Clemenceau Avenue and finally into Tank Road where they end at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (photo on left).

Below left photo: paalkudam carriers going down Serangoon Road. Below right photo: spike kavadis along Penang Road. Above left: passing the Church of the Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic). Above right: passing the Teochew Building which is home to the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Ngee Ann Kongsi. The procession of course attracts a lot of passing tourists who take the opportunity to snap a few photos. However, it is also a popular subject among the local photographers.

Finally, while carrying the kavadi is done by an individual, his/her effort is very much a community event with family and friends turning out to support. Around kavadi bearers you can hear groups of young men chanting and dancing while other kavadis prefer the more technological approach of a friend toting a ghetto blaster. This of course means that children can be also be seen accompanying their parents in their finery. This little girl was dancing away on her own in a quiet spot amidst the kavadis being dismantled.