Karadaiyan Nonbu
Karadaiyan
Nombu also known as ‘Savitri Nonbu Vritham’ is an important festival for the
married women in the state of Tamil Nadu. On this day, women offer prayers for
the longevity and well being of their husbands. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed on
a chosen day when the transition takes place between two Tamil months, namely,
Panguni and Massi.
It is observed at the exact time when the Tamil month of
Massi ends and the month of Panguni begins. In the Gregorian calendar, this
festival falls in the month of March. Women observe a strict fast on this day
and special feast is prepared for the occasion. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed
with full gaiety and fervour not only in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu but
also in foreign countries like USA, Canada, South Africa, Singapore and
Malaysia.
Significance of Karadaiyan Nombu:
Karadaiyan Nombu is a
significant ritual that is mainly observed by married women in the southern
states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The word ‘Karadai’
refers to ‘a special naivedya (holy dish) and ‘nombu’ signifies ‘upvasam or
vratam’. The observance of Karadaiyan Nombu is done in remembrance of
‘Satyvan-Savitri’ story. According to the legends, Savitri was a princess who
with her utmost devotion towards her husband, Satyvan, saved him from the
clutches of death. This story is very popular in India and there are few other
Hindu festivals based on this legend, such as ‘Vat Savitri Puja’. The festival
of Karadaiyan Nombu is observed by married women for the prosperity and long
life of their husbands whereas unmarried girls keep this observance to get
their choice of husband.
Rituals
during Karadaiyan Nombu:
- Fasting
or vratam is an important ritual on the day of Karadaiyan Nombu. Married
women observe a fast from the time of getting up. The fast is broken after
completing the puja rituals. Women break their vratam by eating the unique
Karadai preparation with butter. The fats is broken anytime in the late
afternoon or evening.
- On
Karadaiyan Nombu a special naivedya is prepared and is known as ‘Karadai
Nombu Adai’. As per the mythological stories, it is stated that Savitri
prepared this special dish and offered it with unmelted butter to Lord
Yama, the Hindu God of Death, as a thanksgiving gesture for returning the
life of her husband, Satyvan.
- Women
on this day worship Goddess Gowri and offer the Karadaiyan Nombu Naivedyam
to please the Goddess. Special mantras are chanted at the time of offering
the Karadai to Goddess Gowri. The puja of Karadaiyan Nombu is performed at
the specific time when Massi month ends and the month of Panguni just
begins.
- Another
significant ritual on Karadaiyan Nombu is wearing the yellow colored
thread, referred as ‘Karadai Nombu Saradu’ around the neck. A small flower
is also tied to this yellow thread. This thread is tied for the well-being
of husbands.
- Women
also decorate their houses with kolam on this day.
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