4th

Aadi

Tamil

Katakam (♋)

Major Festivals

Aadi Perukku

Early Aug

Celebration of river overflow and the bounty of monsoon. Celebrated with offerings to rivers and agricultural gratitude rituals.

Aadi Ammavasai

Mid Aug

New moon day dedicated to ancestors (Pitru Tarchan). Families offer prayers for ancestral blessings.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Aadi Pournami (Full moon) — auspicious for family gatherings and ancestral rituals

✓ Mondays — ruled by Moon, emotional and nurturing energy

✓ Aadi Amavasai — very auspicious for Pitru Puja (ancestor worship)

About Aadi

Aadi is peak monsoon season, when rivers overflow with abundance—a time of gratitude and celebration known as Aadi Perukku. The Sun moves through Cancer (Katakam), a water sign representing emotions, family, and home. This month emphasizes the importance of family bonds and ancestral connections. Aadi Ammavasai (new moon) is a critical day for ancestor worship (Tarpan), where families honor their forebears. Many diaspora Hindus schedule family reunions and ancestral ceremonies during Aadi, synchronizing across time zones via group video calls to participate in home rituals led by relatives in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aadi Perukku?

Aadi Perukku (literally 'Aadi Overflow') is a festival celebrating the overflowing of rivers during monsoon season. Families visit rivers and tanks with coconuts, sugarcane, turmeric, and flowers to give thanks for the bounty of water and fertility. It is an agricultural festival with deep roots in gratitude to nature. Modern celebrations include visits to temples near water bodies and ritual offerings.

Why is Aadi Ammavasai significant for ancestor worship?

Aadi Ammavasai (new moon) is one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar for Pitru Tarchan (ancestor rituals). The new moon is considered a time of stillness and introspection, ideal for honoring those who have passed. Families offer rice balls (pindas), water, and prayers to their ancestors. This act ensures peace for the deceased and blessings for the living.

How do expats in Western countries celebrate Aadi Ammavasai?

Many Indian diaspora organize virtual Tarpan ceremonies with family members in India, conducting rituals simultaneously despite time zone differences. Hindu temples in Western countries also conduct community Aadi Ammavasai pujas. Some individuals travel back to India specifically during Aadi to perform these rituals at sacred locations like Varanasi or family ancestral villages.

View Aadi in Other Languages

Telugu Hindi Kannada Gujarati Rajasthani