Friday, July 31, 2009
The Forerunner of Festivals
Aadi is the fourth month of the Tamil calendar. Aadi Pandigai or Aadi Pirappu is an important traditional festival of Tamilians, celebrated on the first day of this month. It often comes on July 16. The festival is more significant to the new couples. Throughout the month of Aadi, huge Kolams are drawn in front of every house. Special puja is conducted, followed by a delicious feast including ' payasam', 'puran poli' and 'vadai' at the beginning of the month. The family of the 'Pudhu maappillai' (new son-in-law) is invited to the girl's house and the newly weds are gifted with clothes and presents. During Aadi, Amman temples are given great importance with pujas and prayers. Functions such as weddings are not allowed in this month. The 18th day of the month is celebrated as 'Aadi Perukku'. Rivers are revered with offerings and prayers on this day. Certain offerings done by young girls are meant for securing good husbands. With the termination of the Aadi month, Hindu festivals begin.