Aadi Perukku
ஆடி பெருக்கு
Aadi Perukku is a traditional Tamil festival that honors the life-sustaining properties of water, specifically celebrating the rising water levels in the Kaveri River on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi.
Primary date & Panchangam
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
Significance of Aadi Perukku
Celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi, Aadi Perukku (also known as Pathinettam Perukku) is a unique festival dedicated to honoring water bodies. During this time, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall, causing rivers, especially the Kaveri, to swell and overflow. This 'perukku' (rising or overflowing) brings joy to farmers and people alike.
The festival is an expression of deep gratitude to Nature, specifically Mother Kaveri. People worship the river as a pregnant mother, offering her auspicious items to ensure agricultural prosperity, peace, and abundance for the entire year.
How is it celebrated?
Families gather at the banks of rivers, lakes, or wells early in the morning. They perform poojas by offering turmeric, kumkum, flowers, coconut, and a special set of auspicious items including 'kadholai' and 'karumani'. Unmarried women pray for a good husband by tying a yellow thread, while married women change their mangalsutra (thali) thread, praying for the long life of their husbands.
Another charming aspect of the festival is letting small lamps float on the river. Aadi Perukku is also famous for community dining, where families prepare and share various types of mixed rice dishes (Chithrannam) like tamarind rice, lemon rice, and sweet pongal by the riverbank.