The Tamil month of Aadi (ஆடி), which usually falls between July 16 and August 16, is the fourth month of the Tamil calendar. It marks the beginning of Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the six-month period extending from Aadi to Margazhi, when the Sun begins its southward journey. According to Hindu tradition, this period is believed to mark the beginning of the night of the Devas (celestial beings).
Traditionally, Aadi is not considered an ideal month for weddings and other major auspicious ceremonies. However, it is one of the most spiritually significant months, dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother in her various forms. Devotees observe special prayers, fasting, and temple visits throughout the month, seeking the blessings of Goddess Shakti for prosperity, happiness, good health, and family well-being.
The month is also filled with several important festivals that are celebrated with great devotion across Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities around the world.
Auspicious Days in Aadi Month (2026)
| Date | Festival |
| July 16, 2026 | Aadi Pirappu (First Day of Aadi) |
| August 3, 2026 | Aadi Perukku |
| August 6, 2026 | Aadi Krithigai |
| August 12, 2026 | Aadi Amavasai |
| August 14, 2026 | Aadi Pooram |
| August 28, 2026 | Varalakshmi Vratham |
| August 27, 2026 | Yajur Upakarma (Avani Avittam) |
Aadi Pirappu
Aadi Pirappu marks the first day of the Tamil month of Aadi and usually falls on July 16 or 17. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by newly married couples and their families.
A special puja is performed at home, followed by a festive meal featuring traditional dishes such as:
- Coconut Milk Payasam
- Puran Poli (Obbattu)
- Medu Vadai
- Other festive South Indian delicacies
In many Tamil families, the newly married groom is invited to his wife's parental home, where the couple is presented with new clothes, gifts, and a grand feast as a symbol of love, prosperity, and blessings for a happy married life.
Aadi Velli (Fridays in Aadi)
The Fridays during the month of Aadi, known as Aadi Velli, are considered especially sacred for the worship of Goddess Shakti. Devotees believe that prayers offered on these Fridays bring prosperity, good health, and family happiness.
Traditionally, each Friday is associated with a different form of the Divine Mother:
- First Friday – Goddess Swarnambika
- Second Friday – Goddess Kali
- Third Friday – Goddess Kalikambal
- Fourth Friday – Goddess Kamakshi
- Last Friday – Goddess Varalakshmi (observed as Varalakshmi Vratham)
Many women observe fasting, perform special pujas, decorate lamps, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. Temples conduct elaborate abhishekams and alankarams, attracting thousands of devotees.
Aadi Chevvai (Tuesdays in Aadi)
Just like Aadi Fridays, the Tuesdays during Aadi—known as Aadi Chevvai—are also highly auspicious.
Many women observe fasting, chant Devi stotras, and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati for family welfare and prosperity.
One of the unique observances during Aadi Chevvai is the Avvai Nonbu (Ovvai Nonbu). A special sweet kozhukattai made with rice flour and jaggery is prepared as prasadam.
In many temples, the Goddess is beautifully adorned in various forms such as:
- Durga
- Chamundeshwari
- Kali
- Rajarajeshwari
Some families also prepare Manjal Pongal and Thalagam, offering them to young girls (Kanya Pooja), who are traditionally regarded as manifestations of Goddess Shakti.
Aadi Amavasai
Aadi Amavasai, the new moon day during Aadi, is one of the most important days for performing Pitru Tarpanam (ancestral rituals).
According to Hindu tradition, while Tarpanam can be performed every Amavasai, Aadi Amavasai, Thai Amavasai, and Mahalaya Amavasai are considered especially significant for honoring one's ancestors and seeking their blessings.
Many devotees perform Tarpanam at sacred rivers and seashores. Among these, Rameswaram is considered one of the holiest places for the ritual, where thousands gather to take a sacred bath and perform ancestral offerings.
It is traditionally believed that these rituals help express gratitude to departed ancestors and invoke their blessings for the family's well-being.
Aadi Pooram
Aadi Pooram celebrates the birth of Goddess Andal, one of the twelve Alwars and one of the most beloved saints in the Vaishnavite tradition.
Andal is revered as an incarnation of Bhudevi (Goddess Lakshmi) and is celebrated for her unwavering devotion to Lord Ranganatha.
The festival is celebrated grandly in Vishnu temples across Tamil Nadu, especially at Srivilliputhur, Andal's birthplace. It is also an important day in many Shakti temples.
On this day:
- Glass bangles are offered to the Goddess and distributed among devotees.
- Women pray for family happiness and marital bliss.
- Devotees recite Thiruppavai, Nachiyar Tirumozhi, and Lalitha Sahasranamam.
Aadi Perukku
Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi.
This unique Tamil festival expresses gratitude to Mother Nature, particularly to River Kaveri, for providing water, fertility, and prosperity.
As the monsoon fills the rivers and reservoirs, people gather on riverbanks to offer prayers, perform pujas, and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and family well-being.
Women traditionally wear new clothes, prepare a variety of rice dishes, and worship Kaveri Amman.
Aadi Perukku Recipes
Aadi Krithigai
Aadi Krithigai is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya).
Although the Krithigai star occurs every month, the one that falls during Aadi is considered especially sacred. Special abhishekams and pujas are conducted in Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu.
According to the Skanda Purana, this day holds special significance in the worship of Lord Murugan. Devotees observe fasting, visit Murugan temples, and offer milk, flowers, and fruits while chanting Kanda Sashti Kavasam and other Murugan hymns.
Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalakshmi Vratham is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, the bestower of prosperity, wealth, and well-being.
It is observed on the Friday before the full moon (Pournami) during the Tamil month of Sravana (Avani).
Married women traditionally perform this vratam, praying for the health, prosperity, and happiness of their families. The festival is associated with the story of Charumathi, a devoted woman who was blessed by Goddess Varalakshmi in a dream and instructed to perform this sacred vratam.
Homes are beautifully decorated, Kalasam is installed, and elaborate pujas are performed with devotion.
Varalakshmi Vratham Recipes
Avani Avittam (Upakarma)
Avani Avittam, also known as Upakarma, is an important annual Vedic ritual observed by many Brahmin communities.
On this day, eligible men and boys ceremonially change their sacred thread (Yajnopavita/Poonal) and recommit themselves to the study and practice of the Vedas.
The rituals and dates vary slightly among Yajur, Rig, and Sama Veda followers.
Traditionally, the day symbolizes spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and a fresh beginning in Vedic learning.
