After New Year, the next major Hindu festivals are Bhogi and Pongal. However, there is another special occasion celebrated during this time—Kanu Pandigai (Kanu Pongal). This festival falls on the same day as Maatu Pongal and holds special significance for women, particularly sisters, who pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers.
Kanu Pandigai is a unique celebration for women. In Tamil tradition, this day is not considered auspicious and is referred to as "Kari Naal" or "Kanu Peedai".
Kanu Pidi – How and Why?
The ritual of Kanu Pidi is a significant part of Kanu Pandigai, symbolizing prayers for the welfare and prosperity of family members, particularly brothers. Here’s how it is performed:
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Preparation
- Find an open space and draw a kolam (decorative pattern) facing the east direction.
- Wash turmeric leaves thoroughly and place them over the kolam.
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Colored Rice Preparation
- Prepare four types of rice to place on the turmeric leaves:
- White Rice: Made from plain rice cooked on Pongal day.
- Sakkarai Pongal: Sweet rice prepared on Pongal day.
- Red-Colored Rice: Mix a small portion of rice with kumkum (vermilion).
- Yellow-Colored Rice: Mix a small portion of rice with turmeric powder.
- Prepare four types of rice to place on the turmeric leaves:
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Arrangement
- Take four pieces of sugarcane.
- Place small quantities of the colored rice and sugarcane pieces on the turmeric leaves.
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Chanting
- While placing the colored rice on the leaves, chant the traditional phrases or prayers that accompany the ritual.
This practice is deeply symbolic, emphasizing love, gratitude, and the wish for familial prosperity.
"Kakaipidi vachen Kannupidi vachen, Kakka Kootam Kalanchalum Enga Kootam Kalayama Irukkanum"*
(* This specific phrase varies from family to family. If you check the comments below form others you will come to know the different variation of this phrase. But the overall concept is same - we are praying for unity within the family)
The detailed phrase given below was provided by Harish (refer the comment section below)
Kanu pongal song :-
Dedicated to all ladies in the group
Kaakaipidi vechen kanupidi vechen
Kanupidiyum kakkaipidiyum kalandhu nanum vechen
Paarthu vechen parappi vechen
Pachai ilayil nirappi vechen
Manjal ilaiyai virichu vechen
Magizhchi ponga pirichu vechen
Kaakaikum kuruvikkum kalyanam nu solli vechen
Niram nirama saadham vechen
Karimbu thundum kalandhu vechen
Vakai vakaiya saadham vechen
Vaazhai pazhamum serndhu vechen
Annan thambi kudumbamellam
Amoghamai vaazha azhagha vechen
Inippu pulippu thenkai saadham
Inpamai naanum eduthu vechen
Ellu saadham elumichai saadham
Ekanthamai naanum vechen
Kootu poriyal aviyal vechen
Kootu kudumbamai vaazha vechen
Dhoopa deepam kaati vechen
Thooya manathodu naanum vechen
Karpooram eathi vechen
Kadavulai vanangi vechen
Aarathi eduthu vechen
Aandavanai vendi vechen
Kanupidi vechen kaakai pidi vechen
Kanupidiyum kaakaipidiyum kalandhu naanum vechen
Kaakaikootam pola engal kootamum piriyaathirikka nan vechen
After chanting the prayers, break a coconut and place it on a plate along with betel leaves, betel seeds, and two bananas. Perform aarti around the turmeric leaves, praying sincerely for the well-being and prosperity of your brothers.
It is essential to ensure that the rice placed on the turmeric leaves is consumed only by crows, as it is part of the ritual's tradition. On this auspicious occasion, a variety of rice dishes are prepared. Interestingly, it is customary for women to refrain from eating rasam on this day—this is a practice passed down in our family, as told by my mother! ????
Below are some of the variety rice dishes typically prepared for Kanum Pongal.
