Aadi Perkku/ Aadi 18

Adiperukku is a unique South Indian and specially a Tamil festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi (mid July). The festival coincides with the annual freshes of the rivers and to pay tribute to water's life-sustaining properties. It is celebrated near river basins, water tanks, lakes and wells etc. of Tamil Nadu when the water level in the rises significantly heralding the onset of Monsoon.

Adiperukku, otherwise called Padinettam perukku is peculiar to the all the perennial river basins of Tamil Nadu and major lakes water source areas and is intended to celebrate the water rising levels due to the onset of monsoon, which is expected to occur invariably on the 18th day of the solar month, Aadi corresponding to the 2nd or 3 August every year. Hence "Padinettam perukku" - Padinettu signifies eighteen (18), and Perukku denotes rising. This festival is observed predominantly by women in Tamil Nadu. The Adiperukku, as a water-ritual, celebrated by women is to honour nature.

On this auspicious day, Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshipped by offer of different rice dishes. Offerings of flowers, Akshata and rice offerings are done into sacred rivers like Cauveri. As per Purana, Parvathi devi meditated upon Lord Siva to see the divine vision and Lord Siva appeared as Shanka-Naraya swami. The avatar of Shri Bhooma devi also is believed to have taken place during this month.

The variety of dishes offered as Neiveidhyam are usually Called as "Chithrannam", "Chithra-Annam" meaning Variety rice or Kalandha Sadham.

Padhinettam perukku menu - Sweet Pongal, Coconut Rice, Lemon Rice, Potato Roast, Curd rice.