Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu, also known as Savithri Viratham, is a traditional festival observed in Tamil Nadu, where married women fast and pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. Unmarried girls also participate in this festival, praying to the divine for a virtuous husband in the future. The name “Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu” comes from the use of kaaramani (cowpea), a key ingredient used along with rice flour to prepare special offerings for this occasion.
The Origin of Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the Mahabharata era. According to the legend, Savithri, the devoted wife of Sathyavaan, demonstrated unwavering faith and purity. When Lord Yama, the God of Death, took her husband’s life, Savithri followed him and pleaded with him through her steadfast devotion. She asked for several boons, finally requesting that Sathyavaan be granted a long life. Moved by her loyalty, Yama returned her husband’s life, allowing them to reunite. This act of love and dedication forms the basis for the celebration of Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu, and generations have passed it down as a day of fasting, prayer, and devotion.
I learned about this festival from both my grandmother and my husband’s grandmother, who shared the rituals and stories associated with it. It is a day for women to show their devotion and love, honoring the relationship between Savithri and Sathyavaan.
Rituals of Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu
Participants mark the festival with a special prayer and chant a sloka (verse) during the pooja. The verse is a heartfelt plea for the long life of one’s husband:
“Urugaadha Vennayum OrAdayum Naan Notren
OruKaalam yen Kanavar piriyaada Irukka Vendum”
(Translation: “I offer unmelted butter and an unbroken adai, praying that my husband may always remain with me.”)
After offering prayers, each woman ties a yellow thread (nonbu charadu) around her neck, signifying the completion of the ritual and seeking divine blessings for her family’s prosperity and well-being.
Special Recipes for Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu
People prepare and offer two key dishes to the deity during Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu:
- Kara Adai: A savoury rice flour pancake made with cowpea (kaaramani), coconut, and spices.
- Inippu Adai: A sweet version of the adai, prepared with rice flour, jaggery, cowpea, and coconut.
We serve these dishes with a dollop of fresh butter, symbolizing purity and devotion, and offer them to the gods before sharing them with family members.
Conclusion
Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu is more than just a festival of fasting; it is a celebration of love, devotion, and the bond between spouses. The timeless story of Savithri’s devotion continues to inspire women to pray for the wellness of their families and the strength of their relationships. As we prepare the traditional dishes and perform the rituals, we honour not only the legend of Savithri but also the values of love and commitment that remain central to this beautiful festival.
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This pooja is also done in UP and various dishes are prepared but your recipe is totally new for me. Amazing.
This fast or pooja ceremony is similar to our karwachauth. But we didn’t prepare any such delicious food during fasting times. In India we have almost similar traditions but with different names, sounds so beautiful itself. Loved it.
Niranjana that is an interesting tradition. I like when food bloggers try and bring to light some traditional recipes and also explain why its prepared. As Gujaratis we have a 5 day Jaya Parvati fast and Pooja for both married and unmarried girls. During that time we cannot have any salt, grains etc. Can only have wheat roti or puri once in a day but no sabjis too. Difficult but was fun as we friends did the fast together.
Your have explained so well about this festival Niranjana. Love the traditional recipes cooked during the festivals. Happiness increases manifolds when we celebrate with the whole family.