Aadi masa of Tamil Nadu

Aadi masa of Tamil Nadu falls during the monsoon season (July-August) and is essentially a thanksgiving to monsoon which fills the rivers – the lifeline of farmers.

The traditional people avoid conducting any auspicious ceremonies during this month. But some ceremonies and rituals do take place during this month such as Varalakshmi Puja, Aadi Pooram, etc. In the olden days, the newly married couple were also lived separately during this month, to avoid conceiving during this month and the childbirth in the hottest months of April-May. Though it is not widely practised now some traditional families still follow this custom.

It is believed that Sun God changes his direction from north to south during this month, and the following six months are called Dakshinayana Punyakalam.

Aadi Mulaikottu festival is a 10-day festival celebrated in Madurai Meenakshi Temple, which attracts large number of visitors.

Perukku festival,also known as Pathinettam perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of this month. It is celebrated on the Banks of Rivers, and pray to Gods to keep the rivers always filled so that they will not face water problem for agriculture.

Varalakshmi Puja is celebrated by women, by fasting, for the welfare of their husbands.

Many discount sales, called Adi Sales, are held in Tamil Nadu during Aadi month.

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