There are numerous festivals (Pandigai) that are observed in
Aadi Masam. Aadi month is dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess – Amman . Aadi marks the
beginning of the festival season in Tamil Nadu.
The first day of Aadi is referred as Aadi Pirappu or Aadi
Pandigai. The day begins with the making of huge kolams (Rangoli designs) in
front of the home. The kolam is drawn on all days of the month. The kolams are
bordered with red color – Kaavi. Doorways are decorated with mango leaves. The
day begins with pujas and visit to temple. There will be a feast on the day
with special delicacies include payasam, vadai, boli etc.
On the first day of Aadi, married women change the yellow thread in their Mangalsutra or thali..
On the first day of Aadi, married women change the yellow thread in their Mangalsutra or thali..
Dakshinayanam, Sun’s transits from the northern hemisphere
to the Southern hemisphere, happens in Aadi month.
The important festivals include Aadi Perukku, also known as
Padinettam Perukku, is observed on 18th day of the month. It is a
water ritual observed by women.
Another important festival is Aadi Pooram dedicated to
Andal. When the festival falls on Friday in the month it is doubly auspicious.
Another important festival in the month is the Aadi
Krithigai. This is dedicated to Muruga or Subrahmanya. It is observed on the
Karthigai Nakshatra in the month.
Numerous Amman Temples – shrines dedicated to various
manifestations of Goddess Shakti – observe the annual temple festival in the
month.
Tuesdays and Fridays in the month are dedicated to worship
of Mother Goddess.
The Aadi Amavavasi day (no moon day) in the month
is dedicated to ancestors. Holy dips in sacred water bodies, Shradh and tarpan
are performed on the day.