Aadi Perukku 2023 Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance
Aadi Perukku is one of the most significant celebrations in Tamilnadu. The Aadi Perukku will be observed during the aadi month of the Tamil calendar. Some pilgrims will celebrate Aadi Perukku in their residences, while others will visit the temple for the festival. The Aadi Perukku is a festival honoring both the rains and Lord Murugan.
Aadi Perukku Date 2023
03rd August 2023
Timings: 11.59 AM to 09.23 AM
Rituals of Aadi Perukku
- Women worship Goddess Parvati on the auspicious day of Aadi Perukku.
- A variety of rice dishes are prepared and presented as an offering to the Goddess.
- Coconut rice, sweet Pongal, curd rice, bahala rice, lemon rice, and tamarind rice are examples of commonly prepared rice dishes with varying ingredients, colours, or flavours.
- In addition to offering rice, Akshata, and flowers to the holy river Mother Cauvery, devotees also honour the river with flowers.
- Aadi Perukku is primarily celebrated by families residing on the banks of the Cauvery River.
- On this auspicious day, family and friends collectively pray for an intermittent water supply that will result in a bountiful harvest.
- The devotees immerse themselves in the sacred water. At the bathing ghats along the Cauvery River, they don new garments and perform rituals after taking a bath.
- Following this is the ‘abhishekham’ of Kaveri Amman.
- Using jaggery and rice flour, a special lamp is created.
- The lamp is set on mango leaves to which are added a yellow thread, turmeric, and flowers.
- Women light the luminary, which is then floated along with its accessories in the river.
- On the occasion of Aadi Perukku, a special rice dish called ‘Kalandha Sadham’ is prepared.
- After concluding the puja, the devotees dine with their families along the riverbanks. The entire occurrence resembles a picnic on the banks of the Cauvery River.
Significance of Aadi Perukku
Aadi is the Tamil month of rituals and zeal, which is dedicated to Water forces and other Natural forces. During this month, pujas and petitions are performed to express gratitude to the mighty Goddesses and to seek protection from the ominous aspects of the month. It is believed that the Tamil month of Aadi is very auspicious for establishing spiritual connections.
Weddings and other related events are not held during the month of Aadi because it is deemed unlucky. Aadi Perukku is a fecundity festival that has been observed and supported since the reign of kings and the royal family. This custom has been documented in multiple historical periods.