As per our previous article on Aadi Maasam, while most of the Hindu community averts auspicious ceremonies during the month of Aadi, which falls between 17th July and 16th August, 2021, our ancestors believed in certain ceremonies that are meaningful during this month. Here are a few of the most important celebrations and rituals that occur during the month of Aadi.
Aadi Pirappu (1st day of Aadi Month)
17th July 2021
The first day of Aadi is usually on the 16th or 17th of July. This year’s date falls on the 17th. Many people, especially newlyweds, would have celebrated this day as Aadi Pandigai. The new groom in the family is invited to the bride’s home, and the couple is lavishly venerated with new dresses and other gifts, as well as a delicious feast. A special puja is performed, followed by a traditional Indian meal.
Aadi Velli (1st Friday of Aadi Month)
23rd July 2021
Many religious practices are conducted on Aadi Fridays and Tuesdays, as well as on Sundays. The month of Aadi has four Fridays, all of which are sacred days to unite with the Goddess power or the divine feminine Shakti. Goddess Swarnambika, a form of Goddess Parvati, is honoured on the first Friday of Aadi month. Goddess Kali is honoured on the second Friday (30th July) of Aadi month. Prayers to the Goddess of Siddhi will grant you extraordinary intelligence.
The third Friday (6th August) is dedicated to Kalikambal, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati who bestows courage and health upon us. The fourth Friday (13th August) is dedicated to Kamakshi Amman, a manifestation of the Goddess Shakti. It is believed that offering special prayers to her on this day will remove obstacles in marriage and relationships, as well as help one achieve success in life.
Aadi Perukku (Padhinettam Perukku)
3rd August 2021
Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th of Aadi month. The month of Aadi falls during the peak monsoon season, and most rivers will be overflowing. We celebrate Aadi Perukku to express our gratitude to nature and to Mother Cauvery river. We, hence, pray to God to keep the rivers flowing so that there will be enough water for agriculture.
Aadi Amavasai (New moon day of Aadi Month)
8th August 2021
No moon day in Aadi month is incredibly significant for offering Tharpanam to our ancestors. Aadi Amavasai is one of the three most potent new moon days for performing Pitru Tharpanam (ancestral rituals) to honour and receive eternal blessings from your ancestors. We have a tradition of performing ancestral rituals every month on the new moon day. However, due to personal reasons, some tend to miss it. Even if we miss the monthly Tharpanam, we should never skip the Tharpanam on Aadi Amavasai, Thai Amavasai, or Mahalaya Amavasai.
Aadi Pooram
11th August 2021
The new moon day in the month of Aadi is known as ‘Aadi Pooram.’ The day is also observed as the birthday of Andal, the Saint Poet who wrote Thiruppavai and is regarded as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. Glass bangles are presented to the Goddess before being distributed to the devotees. Devotees chant Thirupavai and Lalitha Sahasaranamam on this auspicious day.
Having to look at some of the ceremonies where it is solely celebrated to acknowledge the role of nature and our ancestors is something I respect and appreciate. This simple gratitude practise is both beautiful and amazing. However, understanding the significance of all of these events is equally important in appreciating their relevance.
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