Pavai Nombu, also known as Margali Nonbu, is observed in Tamil Nadu during Margazhi masam or Margali month. It is said that Andal performed Pavai Nonbu to merge with Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). Pavai Nombu is performed by women for prosperity and to get good husbands. The history of Pavai Nonbu is more than 2000 years old and is mentioned in the early Tamil scriptures. In 2024, Margali month begins on December 16 and ends on January 13, 2025.
Importance of Margali Nombu
- The history of Pavai Nonbu is more than 2000 years old and is mentioned in the early Tamil scriptures. The ritual is observed on all the days in the Margazhi Masam.
- The popular belief is that Andal performed Pavai Nonbu to merge with Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu).
- Pavai Nonbu is performed by women to get good husbands and for peace and prosperity.
Why is Pavai Nombu Observed? - The Story and Reason
The general belief is that the Pavai Nombu was observed for Katyayani (a form of Durga). It is said that Gopis first observed it to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Women and girls observing Pavai Nombu woke before sunrise bathed in the Kalindi River
How is Pavai Nombu Performed?
Today, women and girls undertaking Pavai Nombu during Margali month take bath at dawn and visit temples and read a verse from Thiruppavai composed by Andal.Non-vegetarian food is completely avoided during the month.