Kaaradayan Nombu on 14th March, Sunday

Article Courtesy: S. Venkatesh, Secretary, Aluva Brahmana Samooham

Kaaradayaan Nombu or Savitri Nombu is a Tamil observance in which Sumangalies prays for the well being and long life of her husband. It is observed on the particular day when the transition between the Tamil months Maasi and Panguni takes place. Kaaradai is the name of a unique nivedya (holy dish) prepared on this day. Nombu means Vratam or Upvasam. This year Nombu falls on Sunday, the 14th of March 2010, between 8.15 p.m. and 9.15 p.m.

Savithri Nombu festival is observed in remembrance of the Sathyavan – Savithri legend. A princess, Savithri through her supreme devotion saved her husband, Sathyavan, from the clutches of death. This legend is very popular in India and there are several other observances based on this legend. An important ritual is the wearing of the Kaaradayan Nombu Charadu, which is a yellow thread, around the neck.

THE PRACTICE

Prepare Nombu Charadu (Manjal thadavina Cotton Nool), Vethalai-Paakku, Pazham, Vennai and Nombu-Adai. Cook Nombu-Adai by 7.00 p.m. on the day. Sumangalis may wear Pudavai and decorate the place with Kolam. Then light up the Vilakku. Keep the arranged Nombu Charadu, Vethalai-Paakku, Pazham, Vennai and Nombu-Adai on a leaf (preferably a banana leaf) or Plate (Thattu or Thambalam).

By praying/chanting “Urukaatha Vennayum Oattadayum Vaithen - Oru kaalavum en Kanavan Piriyaathirukkanum”, offer the Nivedyam to Kamakshi Amman and wear the Nombu Charadu.

MANTHRAM
The following manthram has to be recited while wearing the Nombu Charadu.
"doram grihnami subhage maharidram dharamyaham
bhartuh ayushya sidhyartham suprita bhava sarvada"

NOMBU ADAI - RECIPE

1. Arisippodi Sivakka Varuththathu - 1 Cup; 2. Cherupayar Sivakka Varuththathu – ¼ Cup; 3. Thenkai Thuruvinathu/keerinathu – ¼ Cup; 4. Vellam Udachathu (Unda Sarkkarai udachathu) – 1 Cup; 5. Elakkai Podichathu - 2 Nos.

Oru Cheenachattiyil 1½ Cup thanni vittu item no. 4 pottu karayavaithu aduppil Paani thayyar panni arithu edukkavum. Cheenachatti clean panni, konchm thanni vittu item no. 2 pattu venthathum Paani athil vittu kothikka vechu item no. 3 add pannavum. Ithu kothikkum pothu, item no.1 koncham-konchamaaka serthu kindavum. Item no. 5 serkkavum. Kettiyaaka uruttum paruvathukku kindi edukkavum. Aara vaithu urundayaka urutti Ilayilo Thattileyo 1 cm thickness-il parathi naduvil viralaal oattai pottu steam-il veka vaikkavum.