Adi Perukku- Worship of River Goddess Cauvery-Aug 2

August 3, 2004

Adi Perukku - Aug 2nd- Monday - 2004 - Worship of river Goddess Cauvery

Aadiperukku or Padinettam Perukku is observed only in the Cauvery delta. The festival name translates as Adi (tamil month) swell or 18th day swell because the waters of the Cauvery river invariably rise dramatically, often to the 18th step on the 18th day of the month of Adi, corresponding with the second or third of August every year.

Adi Perukku is an important festival in the Cauvery delta region where people worship Goddess Cauvery for showing Her mercy with bountiful waters.

There is a rise in the river Cauvery at the point where it originates,at the Talacauvery at Bhagamandala in Karnataka. Special poojas are done on this day.

Adi is the month for planting seeds and vegetation. Since monsoon is at its peak, there is enough water for crops. To the predominantly agrarian communities who live in this rice cultivation tract along the Cauvery river basin districts of Tanjavur and Tiruchirapalli, the increased water levels directly correlate with economic prosperity. This occasion is marked by offerings of chitrannam or rice cooked in different flavours,colours and ingre-dients to honour the river goddess and nature for life giving water.

The increased abundance of water makes this an auspicious day; Adi Perukku is celebrated as fertility and reproduction predominantly by women in Tamil Nadu. Families often bathe in the river, wear new clothes and perform a consecration (abhishekam) for Goddess Cauvery. They give visitors auspicious turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves and nuts (vetrilai pakku), fruits and flowers.

Some use the day as an excuse to buy jewellery. After the women have performed the puja, families eat at home and rest. The men and children participate in the social picnic at the end of the day. In medieval times, Chola kings and royal households patronised this ritual.

Adi Perukku - Aug 2nd

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