kavadin.

1954 V. Bartlett Rep. from Malaya ii. 27 A ‘kavadi’..is a gaily-decorated but heavy wooden harness normally supported on one shoulder.

1961 Times 8 Mar. 14/6 [Ceylon] On their shoulders the traditional kāvadis.

1963 J. Kirkup Tropic Temper 254 Blocks of pure camphor for burning..before the holy men and penitents carrying kavadis.

1966 S. Wavell et al. Trances 148 Many are poor and walk long distances carrying upon their shoulders a heavy superstructure known as kavadi bearing flowers and fruit and peacock feathers to place before the image of Subramaniam.

1970 S. Arasaratnam Indians in Malaysia & Singapore vi. 171 Popular forms of devotion..as practised in South India have persisted... Among the most significant of these is the carrying of the kavadi, a large wooden decorated arch, as an act of penance.

1972 Straits Times (Malaysia) 27 Nov. 26/1 (advt.) Devotees of Lord Subramaniam carry penitent ‘kavadis’.

1973 Observer 7 Oct. 36/6 The penitents..climb 272 steps to the place where the Lord's image is installed, their bodies enclosed in the kavadi, a wooden frame decorated with feathers and supported by long metal rods which are hooked into their flesh.