Karadaiyan nonbu

Karadaiyan Nonbu is a Tamil festival celebrated by married Hindu women. The festival is observed at the moment when Tamil month of Maasi ends and Panguni begins. Karadaiyan Nonbu is also known as Savitri Vratam and is similar to Karva Chauth, observed in North India.

Etymology

The term 'Karadaiyan' is derived from the name of the dish prepared on this day, 'Karadai', and 'Nonbu' means vow in Tamil.

History

The festival is based on the legend of Savitri and Satyavan from the Mahabharata. Savitri, a devoted wife, saved her husband Satyavan from Yama, the god of death. It is believed that observing this vratam (vow) will bring longevity to the women's husbands.

Observance

On the day of Karadaiyan Nonbu, women fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The fast is broken by eating Karadai, a special dish prepared from rice flour and jaggery, along with butter. Unmarried girls also observe this fast to get a good husband in the future.

Karadai Dish

Karadai is a special dish prepared on this day. It is made from rice flour, jaggery, black-eyed peas, and coconut. There are two varieties of Karadai, sweet and savory, both of which are offered to the goddess and then consumed by the family.

See Also

• List of Hindu festivals
• Tamil culture
• Savitri and Satyavan