Karadaiyan Nombu, also known as Karadayan Nonbu, is a revered Tamil festival that mark the Sun's auspicious transition during Meena Sankranti or Sankramana. In 2025, this sacred festival will be held on Friday, March 14th , to mark the end of Maasi and the start of Panguni . This rare alignment symbolizes cosmic harmony and human devotion, holding great spiritual and cultural significance.
Karadaiyan Nombu celebrates Tamil culture's fasting, prayers, and offerings that align with natural and cosmic transitions. At the auspicious transition between Maasi and Panguni, devotees chant prayers, tie sacred yellow threads ( saradu ) around their necks, and offer Karadai to show gratitude and devotion. This festival is a powerful expression of faith and Tamil culture.
Significance & Importance of Karadaiyan Nombu
'Karadaiyan Nombu' comes from Karadai, a special offering or Nivedyam made for this occasion, and Nombu, which means Vratham (vow) or fasting. The festival holds profound significance, especially for women, who observe it with unwavering devotion to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands and families.
Rooted in the timeless ideals of love, faith, and devotion, the festival reflects the epitome of a committed and harmonious partnership, inspired by the legendary tale of Savitri. This devoted wife, through her unyielding determination, courage, and piety, brought her husband, Satyavan, back to life, triumphing over even the forces of fate. By tying the sacred yellow thread ( saradu ) around their necks and performing the rituals with deep sincerity, women reaffirm their prayers for strength, harmony, and divine protection in their marital and familial bonds, transforming this act of devotion into a powerful spiritual connection.
Karadaiyan Nombu is also a celebration of cultural heritage, emphasizing the spiritual virtues of fasting (Vratham) and self-discipline as pathways to inner growth and divine communion. The preparation of Karadai, a unique sweet offering made with rice flour, jaggery, and black-eyed peas, symbolizes gratitude to the divine for life’s sustenance and blessings. This sacred Nivedyam is offered to the Goddess as a gesture of devotion and then shared among family members, fostering a deep sense of togetherness, love, and shared spirituality. Through this simple yet profound act, the festival reinforces the importance of gratitude and the nurturing of familial and communal bonds.
Moreover, Karadaiyan Nombu beautifully underscores the interconnectedness of human life with the cosmic rhythms of nature and time. Observed at the precise moment of the Tamil month transition from Maasi to Panguni, the festival symbolizes renewal, transformation, and alignment with the divine order of the universe. By participating in these rituals, devotees not only honor their relationships but also align themselves with the eternal principles of dharma, faith, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Story of Karadaiyan Nombu Festival
The legend of Savitri and Satyavan is one of the most inspiring and revered stories in Hindu mythology, embodying the ideals of unwavering devotion, marital commitment, and the triumph of faith over fate. This timeless tale is intricately connected to the celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu, where women draw strength and inspiration from Savitri's unparalleled determination and love.
Savitri, the beautiful and wise daughter of King Ashwapati, chose Satyavan, a noble yet impoverished prince, as her husband. Despite learning from the sage Narada that Satyavan was destined to die exactly one year after their marriage, Savitri remained resolute in her decision, firmly believing in the power of her devotion and righteousness. With her father's reluctant blessing, she married Satyavan and began a simple yet fulfilling life in the forest, embracing her role as a devoted wife and daughter-in-law.
As the foretold day of Satyavan’s death approached, Savitri began an austere three-day fast, praying fervently for the protection of her husband. She performed her daily duties with unwavering faith and determination, her heart full of hope despite the shadow of fate looming over her. On the fateful day, she accompanied Satyavan into the forest as he went to chop wood. While working, Satyavan suddenly collapsed, succumbing to the prophecy. As his life slipped away, Yama, the god of death, appeared to claim his soul.
Undeterred, Savitri followed Yama as he carried Satyavan’s soul away. She walked behind him, her steps steady and her resolve unshaken, engaging him in a profound conversation about the nature of dharma, devotion, and the eternal bonds of love. Her wisdom, eloquence, and unwavering devotion impressed Yama, who offered her a boon—anything except the return of her husband’s life.
Savitri, demonstrating remarkable intelligence and foresight, first asked for her in-laws' eyesight and kingdom to be restored, which Yama granted. She then requested the blessing of children for herself. Yama, bound by his promise, granted her the boon, only to realize that granting her children would require Satyavan to be alive. Overcome by her wisdom and steadfastness, Yama finally relented and returned Satyavan’s soul, restoring him to life.
Savitri's courage, devotion, and unwavering faith triumphed over even the decree of fate, securing not only her husband’s life but also the blessings of prosperity and harmony for their family. Her actions serve as a profound reminder of the power of determination, prayer, and the strength of a devoted heart.
This tale is the cornerstone of Karadaiyan Nombu, where women observe fasting and prayer in honor of Savitri’s virtues. By tying the sacred yellow thread (saradu) around their necks and offering the traditional Karadai to the divine, women seek the blessings of Goddess Kamakshi and emulate Savitri’s dedication. The story of Savitri and Satyavan thus transcends time, inspiring generations to uphold the values of love, devotion, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Karadaiyan Nombu will be observed on Friday, March 14th, 2025.
Key Timings for Karadaiyan Nombu 2025:
-
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham Muhurat:
03:06 PM to 03:52 PM (IST)
Duration: 46 Minutes -
Manjal Saradu (Yellow Sacred Thread) Muhurtham:
03:06 PM to 03:52 PM (IST)
Duration: 46 Minutes
During the auspicious Muhurat, devotees perform the Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham by tying the sacred yellow thread ( Manjal Saradu ) around their necks, invoking the blessings of Kamakshi Devi for a long, harmonious, and prosperous marital life.
- Dwitiya Tithi begins at 11:54 AM on March 13th, 2025, and ends at 01:18 PM on March 14th, 2025 (IST).
- Tritiya Tithi begins at 01:18 PM on March 14th, 2025, and ends at 02:32 PM on March 15th, 2025 (IST).
Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.
How to Celebrate Karadaiyan Nombu
The celebration of Karadaiyan Nombu begins with early morning rituals of purification. Devotees take a bath and clean their homes to create a sacred space for worship. An altar is set up with an image or idol of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati, adorned with flowers, lamps, and other sacred items. Women, especially those observing the vrat, dress in traditional attire and prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for the rituals.
Fasting and Worship
The central aspect of the festival is the vrat (fast), which is observed with devotion and discipline. Women fast until the auspicious moment of the muhurat , when they offer prayers to the Goddess. During the puja, they tie a yellow sacred thread ( Manjal Saradu ) around their necks, symbolizing their prayers for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands and families. This act represents their unwavering faith and commitment, inspired by the devotion of Savitri from the sacred legend.
Offering of Karadai
A key ritual of Karadaiyan Nombu is the preparation of Karadai , a special offering made of rice flour, jaggery, and black-eyed peas. This dish, along with butter, is offered to the Goddess as Nivedyam during the puja. The offering signifies gratitude to the divine for blessings of sustenance and prosperity. After the puja, the prasad is distributed among family members, fostering a sense of togetherness and devotion.
Family and Community Bonding
The festival is also a time for families to come together in prayer and celebration. Women often perform the rituals collectively, reinforcing the bonds of community and shared faith. The rituals and stories of Savitri are recited, reminding everyone of the values of devotion, resilience, and marital harmony that the festival upholds.
Celebrating Karadaiyan Nombu in this manner not only honors traditional customs but also strengthens the spiritual and emotional bonds within families and communities.
Karadaiyan Nombu Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
The Karadaiyan Nombu puja begins with thorough preparations to create a sanctified environment. Devotees clean their homes and the puja space to welcome divine energies. An altar is set up with an image or idol of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati, decorated with fresh flowers, turmeric, and kumkum. Women observing the vrat take an early morning bath, wear clean traditional attire, and mentally prepare for the rituals with devotion.
- Fasting and Altar Arrangement: Women observing the vrat fast until the auspicious moment of the muhurat . The altar is prepared with offerings, including the specially made Karadai (a sweet dish made of rice flour, jaggery, and black-eyed peas), butter, betel leaves, bananas, and lamps. A small lamp made of rice flour dough is also placed as part of the ritual, symbolizing light and positivity.
- Sacred Rituals: During the muhurat , women offer prayers to Goddess Kamakshi, invoking her blessings for the longevity, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands and families. They chant sacred hymns and mantras while performing the puja.
- Tying of Manjal Saradu: A significant part of the ritual is tying the Manjal Saradu (yellow sacred thread) around their necks, symbolizing their devotion, faith, and commitment to their marital vows and family harmony.
- Offering of Karadai: The prepared Karadai is offered as Nivedyam to the Goddess along with butter, signifying gratitude for her blessings of sustenance and prosperity.
- Prayers and Prasad: After the puja, women express their heartfelt prayers for health, happiness, and protection for their families. The prasad is then distributed among family members, concluding the ritual.
By following these steps with devotion and sincerity, the Karadaiyan Nombu puja becomes a sacred act of love, gratitude, and spiritual connection, reinforcing the timeless values of commitment, resilience, and divine faith.
Karadaiyan Nombu Puja Mantra
During the Karadaiyan Nombu festival, women observe a sacred ritual that includes tying a yellow thread (Manjal Saradu) around their necks while chanting specific mantras to seek the blessings of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
The primary mantra recited during this ritual is:
Tamil Version:
'உருகாத வெண்ணையும், ஓர் அடையும் நோற்று உனக்கு நான் வைத்தேன், எந்நாளும் என் கணவர் என்னை விட்டு நீங்காத அருள் தருவாய்.'
Transliteration:
'Urugadha vennaiyum, oru adaiyum nootru unakku naan vaithen, ennaalum en kanavar ennai vittu neengaadha arul tharuvai.'
Meaning:
'I offer you unmelted butter and one adai; bless me so that my husband never separates from me in all the days to come.'
By chanting this mantra while tying the sacred thread, women express their devotion and seek divine grace to ensure the longevity and prosperity of their husbands and the prosperity of their families, embodying the festival's core values of faith and marital fidelity.
Karadaiyan Nombu Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
The Karadaiyan Nombu Vrat begins with early morning rituals. Devotees take a purifying bath and clean their homes, particularly the area where the puja will be performed. An altar is prepared with an image or idol of Goddess Kamakshi or Parvati, adorned with fresh flowers, lamps, and auspicious items. Women observing the vrat dress in traditional attire, often wearing yellow or green, which are considered sacred colors.
Observing the Fast
The fast is observed with devotion and discipline, typically beginning at sunrise and lasting until the auspicious muhurat when the Tamil month of Maasi transitions into Panguni . During the fast, women refrain from consuming grains and heavy meals, instead having light, sattvic foods like fruits and milk, or choosing to observe a complete fast depending on their spiritual commitment. The focus is on maintaining purity of thought and action while engaging in prayers and meditative practices.
Performing the Puja and Tying the Sacred Thread
At the precise muhurat , the puja is performed to honor Goddess Kamakshi. Devotees prepare Karadai , a special offering made from rice flour, jaggery, and black-eyed peas, and present it to the Goddess along with butter as Nivedyam . The key ritual involves tying the Manjal Saradu (yellow sacred thread) around the neck while reciting prayers, symbolizing the devotee's faith, gratitude, and commitment to familial harmony and prosperity.
Concluding the Vrat
The vrat concludes after the puja and the tying of the sacred thread. Devotees partake in the prasad and break their fast with the offered Karadai , sharing it with family members as a symbol of love and unity. The day is spent in gratitude and reflection, honoring the divine and strengthening bonds within the family.
Observing the Karadaiyan Nombu Vrat with devotion and adherence to the rituals is believed to bring the blessings of Goddess Kamakshi for longevity, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
Karadaiyan Nombu Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
A widely celebrated vrat story associated with Karadaiyan Nombu is the tale of Goddess Parvati’s intense penance to win Lord Shiva’s love and blessings. This story exemplifies devotion, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith, inspiring women to observe the vrat with sincerity.
According to legend, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Maina, was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva and desired to marry him. However, Lord Shiva, immersed in his ascetic lifestyle, was indifferent to worldly relationships. Determined to gain his favor, Parvati embarked on an arduous penance, leaving behind the comforts of her royal life to meditate and worship him with unwavering focus.
Parvati chose the most austere conditions, living in the forest and sustaining herself on simple offerings such as leaves, fruits, and water. Her devotion was so intense that she prepared a special offering of rice flour and jaggery, later known as Karadai, which she presented to Lord Shiva as a symbol of her love and commitment. Touched by her sincerity and selflessness, Shiva appeared before her and accepted her devotion. He granted her the boon of becoming his consort, symbolizing the union of devotion and divine grace.
This vrat katha is believed to be the origin of the rituals observed during Karadaiyan Nombu. Women honor Goddess Parvati’s perseverance and seek her blessings for a harmonious and prosperous marital life. The preparation of Karadai as a sacred offering during the vrat symbolizes gratitude and devotion, while the rituals reflect the values of faith, discipline, and the strength of unwavering commitment in relationships.
This story, like that of Savitri, reinforces the belief in the power of devotion and fasting as pathways to divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
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Puja for Happy Family - Married Life
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Conclusion
Karadaiyan Nombu is more than just a traditional observance; it is a profound celebration of devotion, resilience, and the enduring power of love and faith. Rooted in timeless legends like those of Savitri and Parvati, the festival inspires devotees to embrace virtues such as determination, selflessness, and spiritual discipline. By tying the sacred yellow thread, fasting with sincerity, and offering the humble Karadai , women reaffirm their prayers for the well-being of their families and the strength of their sacred bonds.
This beautiful festival not only preserves the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil traditions but also serves as a reminder that unwavering faith and righteous living can overcome even the greatest challenges. Karadaiyan Nombu encapsulates the essence of gratitude, togetherness, and devotion, making it a timeless celebration of divine grace and the eternal principles of love and dharma. Through its rituals, the festival continues to inspire generations, bringing families closer and connecting them to the cosmic rhythm of renewal and harmony.
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