During the holy month of Aadi Masam, Tuesdays and Fridays hold special significance. Sweet or savory Prasadham, often both, are offered as prasadam at home.

Aadi 18 or Aadi Perukku

Falling on the 18th day of Aadi, this day is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is also known as Padinettam Perukku. "Padinettam" means 18 in Tamil, and "Perukku" denotes the rising water levels in lakes and rivers, especially the River Cauvery, symbolizing good harvest and prosperity. This period marks the peak monsoon and the beginning of the sowing season, hoping for a fruitful crop with the blessings of the Almighty.

On Aadi 18, a variety of rice dishes (Kalavai Sadam) are served as prasadam. Typically, five types of rice are prepared and offered as neivedyam, including Lemon Rice, Tamarind Rice (Puliyodharai), Curd Rice, Sakkarai Pongal (sweet Pongal), and Ven Pongal. Additional dishes such as Coconut Rice and Vadai may also be served. This prasadam is shared among everyone at home during lunch.

Aadi Krithigai

This festival honours Lord Karthikeya (Murugan), with offerings of Pal Payasam and Milagu Jeera Rice as prasadam.

Aadi Ammavasai

Aadi Amavasya is dedicated to remembering ancestors through rituals like Tarpanam and giving dakshina to Brahmins. On this day, it is customary to skip dinner and opt for snacks (palaharam). Dishes prepared without onion and garlic are served, such as Vazhakkai Podimas and Pavakkai Pitlai with rice. Fresh thovayal (chutney) is made as a side dish, avoiding pickles.

Aadi Pooram

This day is celebrated in honour of Goddess Andal.

Varalakshmi Vratham

Celebrated primarily by women, this festival involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi with a special pooja, followed by lunch. This ritual is believed to ensure prosperity, health, and wealth. Newly married couples are often invited, and the pooja is organised in their honour.

Appam and Kozhukattai (both sweet and savory) are made as prasadam. Additionally, variety rice dishes are prepared and served to the ladies attending the function at home.

Have a blessed Aadi prayes everyone.

Source: MasalaChill
Image Credit : Foodviva, NDTV Food, Rak's Kitchen, Dassana's Veg Recipes, Vegan Tamil, Priya Kitchennete, Traditionally Modern Food, You Everyday Cook, Foodviva.con