Karadaiyan Nombu or Savithri Vratam is one of the important festivals of Hindus across Tamil Nadu. In reality, Karadaiyan Nombu is a fasting day observed by married women and young girls in the name of Goddess Gowri / Sakthi and offers her Karadiyan Nombu naivedyam (food offered to god as part of a ritual) after performing pujas. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed on the last day of Tamil month Maasi.
Karadaiyan Nombu is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by Tamil women. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and is observed to pray for the well-being and longevity of husbands. The name "Karadaiyan Nombu" comes from "Karadai," a type of adai (a traditional dish made of rice and lentils) prepared during the festival, and "Nombu," which means fasting.
Key Aspects of Karadaiyan Nombu:
-
Date and Time: The festival is observed during the transition period between the Tamil months of Maasi and Panguni. The exact time of celebration is determined based on the auspicious time called "Nombu Neram," which typically falls between the last few hours of Maasi and the first hours of Panguni.
-
Fasting and Prayers: On this day, married women fast until the auspicious time and then break their fast by tying a sacred yellow thread called "Nombu Charadu" around their necks, praying for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women and young girls also participate, praying for a good husband in the future.
-
Rituals and Offerings: The main offering is the "Karadai Nombu Adai," which is made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. This dish is offered to the goddess along with butter, and women pray while holding the offerings. After the prayer, they consume the adai and butter.
-
Mythological Significance: The festival is associated with the story of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata. According to the legend, Savitri fasted and prayed to the goddess to bring her husband Satyavan back to life after he was taken by Yama, the god of death. Her devotion and prayers were so powerful that Yama granted her wish, leading to the observance of this festival by women for their husbands' well-being.
Typically, the fasting is broken at the exact time when Tamil month Maasi ends and the next Tamil Month Panguni starts. As a part of the Karadaiyan Nombu observation, married women and young girls tie a holy thread which is coated with turmeric (Manjal Kayiru / saradu).
The celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu involves several traditional rituals and practices, primarily centered around devotion and prayers for the well-being of husbands. Here's a detailed look at how the festival is celebrated:
1. Preparation:
-
Cleaning and Decoration: The house is cleaned thoroughly, and the area where the puja (prayer ceremony) will take place is decorated. Rangolis (decorative designs made with colored powders) are often drawn at the entrance and near the puja area.
-
Preparing the Offerings: Women prepare the special dish called "Karadai," a type of adai made from rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and karamani (black-eyed peas). This is accompanied by butter, which is also offered during the prayers.
2. Fasting:
-
Observance of Fast: Married women observe a fast until the auspicious time called "Nombu Neram." The fast is believed to bring blessings for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women and young girls may also observe the fast, praying for a good husband.
3. Puja and Rituals:
-
Setting up the Puja: An altar is set up with an image or idol of the goddess Parvati, along with other deities. The offerings, including the Karadai and butter, are placed in front of the deities.
-
Tying the Sacred Thread: At the designated auspicious time, women tie a sacred yellow thread called "Nombu Charadu" around their necks. This thread is symbolic of their prayers for their husbands' well-being and is usually kept on until the next morning.
-
Prayer Recitation: Women recite specific prayers and slokas (verses) dedicated to the goddess Parvati, expressing their devotion and seeking blessings for their husbands.
4. Breaking the Fast:
-
After the puja, women break their fast by eating the prepared offerings, including Karadai and butter. The family members, including husbands and children, may also partake in the meal.
5. Social and Family Gathering:
-
The festival often involves social interactions and gatherings with family and friends. Women may visit each other's homes, exchange Karadai, and offer greetings and blessings.
6. Cultural Performances:
-
In some communities, cultural programs, including traditional music and dance performances, may be organized as part of the celebrations.
7. Continuing Tradition:
-
The sacred thread tied during the festival is usually retained by women until the next morning, signifying the continuity of prayers and blessings.
Karadaiyan Nombu is celebrated with a blend of devotion, cultural practices, and community spirit. The rituals and ceremonies not only honor the relationship between husband and wife but also reinforce the cultural identity and values of Tamil society. The festival is a beautiful example of how traditional practices continue to hold significance in contemporary life.
It is widely believed that Savithri (daughter of King of Madra, Asvapati) brought back her husband Satyavan from the hands of Yama (god of death) on first day of Tamil month Panguni . Thus on the holy day Karadaiyan Nombu is observed across Tamil Nadu by married women for the welfare of their husbands and family. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed and celebrated across India by various names and traditions.Karadai is the special dish prepared and offered to goddess as naivedhyam . The karadai has two different versions; one prepared with jaggery and it is called as vella adai and another version of karadai is called as uppu adai . The base ingredient of both the versions is rice.
It is sure that fasting and pujas done by married women and young girls during the day of Karadaiyan Nombu brings in eternal happiness to their family.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें