Thiruvathira 26 December

Thiruvathira is a cultural festival celebrated in the Malayalam calendar, primarily by women living in South India. The festival is also known as Arudhra Darisanam and takes place during the month of Dhanu. Women gather and offer prayers to Lakshmi for her blessings, and some also celebrate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati on this occasion.

Celebrations related to Thiruvathira

The festival is marked by various activities and rituals, including a group dance performed by women who come from different parts of South India. Before the dance begins, each woman must take a bath, and Ragi Porridge is the first activity of the day, followed by the worship of Shiva.

Puja rituals at Thiruvairaanikulam temple

The main Puja rituals take place at the Thiruvairaanikulam temple, where the idols of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped. Parvati is adorned with ornaments and new clothes, and Puja food is offered to the deities using Tulsi and banana leaves. The temple is decorated with Shiva art, and yellow lights are placed on its walls. Women prepare Satvik food, including rice, to offer to Shiva and break his fast. After Puja, prayers are offered to Parvati for salvation.