Clairwood temple bans jazz drums to restore spiritual essence of Thaipoosam Kavady

THE Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple’s decision to ban jazz drums during this year’s Thaipoosam Kavady celebrations has been welcomed by devotees who felt the increasing noise was detracting from the spiritual essence of bhajans.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

THE Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple's decision to ban jazz drums during this year's Thaipoosam Kavady celebrations has been welcomed by devotees who felt the increasing noise was detracting from the spiritual essence of bhajans. | Facebook

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Council members reported a more peaceful and reflective atmosphere following the controversial, but deliberate change.

No jazz drums were permitted within the temple grounds, on surrounding roads, or in and around the temple precinct.

Bhajan groups which did not comply with the council's directive were asked to leave the area.

According to temple officials, the move followed years of growing concern from devotees who felt that the increasing use of jazz drums was detracting from the spiritual essence of bhajans.

Longtime devotee Desmond Pillay, 50, originally from Umkomaas and now living in Johannesburg, welcomed the decision, saying it marked a return to the traditional atmosphere he remembered.