In Sri Lanka, Dravidian forms of non-agamic ritual practices are prevalent amongst Skanda devotees. These can be observed in the Kumaran Temples in the north and eastern districts which involves offering cooked food for the deity, Velan attam, Kavadi, Angaprathishtai, Vratas, Water pandals, Annathanam, fire walking and carrying camphor pots.

The Skanda tradition demands intense involvement from the devotees, and immediate response from the God. Intense ritualistic practices offer an opportunity for devotees & spiritual seekers to connect with the saguna form of the deity at a deep level. These observances grant peace and prosperity for devotees and mystical unfolding of the truth for spiritual seekers.

Nallur Kanthaswamy Temple complies with Saiva Agamic traditions in it's administration of solemn ceremonies to the deities. It delicately balances ancient traditions of the land & extends facilities for devotees & spiritual seekers to engage in rituals to seek fulfilment. During festive seasons many worshippers engage in the plethora of non-agamic rituals. This enables them to connect at a deeper level of experience meaningful psychological & spiritual experiences.

An ardent devotee and god realised person referred to as "Sthupalar", burns incense for Nallur Kanthan. Patiently he carries out his duty with total surrender and dedication. They say that he conversed with Kumaran and was in communion with him. It is said, even during evacuation, "Sthupalar", stayed with Kanthan.

Camphor pots

Male and female devotees carry urns which contain burning camphor. They place these urns on their head and walk round the temple. Usually, the devotee is accompanied by his or her family who ensures safety of the person while furnishing further camphor for the urns. Bundles of neem leaves are carried by the group to be used as a disinfectant in the event of accidents. This is a common sight in Murugan temples in Sri Lanka.

Devotees congregate in the temple with ingredients to make sweet cakes known as Mavilakku. This requires thinai (pulse), honey ghee and fruits which are mashed into a dough and little lamps are made. Utilising ghee these lamps are lighted automatically banking the sweet cake. Devotees offer this to the deity.

These offerings take place during Thirukarthigai festival. Kumaran is said to have fallen in love with Valli in the fields of thinai. Apparently, she won his heart offering sweet cakes and devotees continue the tradition.

The bhava and bhakthi infused in ritualistic worship enables the devotee to see the deity in his saguna form as a person with the same likes and dislikes as they have. Bhakthi progresses and leads to the knowledge that the God outside also lives inside. Kavadi is an offering made to the deity and can be understood in a socio psychological framework.

The devotee, through kavadi, symbolically unloads his or her negative qualities and surrenders to the deity. This signifies the repentance of human beings which leads to prayers for redemption in life.

Traditional kavadis are made out of a wooden frame and decorated with shimmering multi coloured foils. On either side of the rectangular frame bunches of peacock feathers are displayed. Some kavadis exhibited and white glittering decorations which replaces peacock feathers. During festivities, large number of devotees carry these kavadis turning the outer courtyard into a sea of red and white decor glittering in the sun. Devotees perform a ritual dance carrying the kavadi .

Young and old alike carry large or small kavadis according to their capability and known as Atta kavadi . Pal kavadi , involves devotees carrying a pot of milk on their heads and trek to the temple and perform an abishekam for the deity. Thula kavadi exhibits a devotee suspended from a contraption and brought from villages further a field. Sethil kavadi involves the devotee piercing his hands and face with small Vels.

Angaprathishtai

Angaprathishtai is done to seek penance or offer gratitude to the deity. Men clad in veshti's tied up like a shorts, roll on the ground with hands held above. This is an extremely difficult task and demands intense devotion and determination. As devotees do the angaprathishtai in the outer or inner courts of the temple they are encouraged by other devotees who hail "Arohara Arohara"

Women too do angaprathishtai to fulfil a boon or to express their gratitude to the deity. This ritual is different to that of men. Women crouch on the floor then stand up to take a few steps in front before crouching again. This is repeated till the entire inner or outer court is covered and the devotee reaches the starting point. During festivals many female devotees undertake this task following the chariots carrying the deities.

Vratas (fasting)

This is not necessarily a Dravidian ritual but is undertaken with zest in the villages. Vratas involve abstinence from food in the mornings and attending the temple before consuming lunch. Many observe this practice on Fridays right through the year.

Kanthashashti is an important vrata for Lord Shanmuga. Devotees abstain from food during the day and consume liquids in the evening. This is performed for six days while devotees engage in prayers and reads Kanthashashti kavasam. Many spend the entire day at a Kumaran temple.

Water pandals

Water pandals are established by different Religious organisations to offer water and liquid diets to devotees. During festivities devotees undertake long journeys to and from the temple. These treks attempted in hot weather debilitates devotees and they require refreshments.

Annathanam

As much as Christians and Muslims tithe a percentage of their income to their Church and Mosque, Hindus are expected to feed and clothe those who are less fortunate. This custom is still prevalent amongst many Hindus. Extra food is cooked in some homes to be offered to swamis or beggars who visit their homes.

- Shanmuga Priya