How to perform Karadaiyan Nombu

Performing the karadaiyan nombu is simple and needs devotion. The Masi month to Panguni month transition time should be found out first. (2017 it is 4.42 p.m to 5 p.m). Women observe fast from sunrise of that day till the manjal saradu time.(2017 it is from sunrise till 4.42 p.m). Th Manjal Saradu time varies every year.

Most important things required for the nombu are kara-adai and yellow thread with flowers.

Preparation of Nombu thread

Flowers and a small piece of turmeric stalk are tied to the yellow thread or a white thread is smeared with turmeric. The turmeric and flowers are tied in such a fashion that they seem like a pendant when the thread is tied around the neck.

The kara-adai dish is prepared with a legume called kaaramani. Fresh unmelted butter is also required.

Materials required for Pooja

• An idol or image of any married like Goddess Parvati or Kamakshi.
• Flowers
• The prepared yellow thread
• Karadai adai Dish
• Any available fruits
• Banana
• Banana leaf with tip
• Betel leaves and nuts
• An unbroken coconut

The Puja

The house is cleaned and decorated with Mango leaves and rangoli.

Kara-adai and thread are prepared after taking bath

Women who observe the nombu are expected to fast from sunrise till the transition time.

If the fast is too long, people can consume fruits but not any cooked rice or food.

An hour or half before the transition time, the kara-adai and other Pooja items like beetel leaf and nut, fruits, coconut and butter are placed on the banana leaf, which in turn is placed on the rangoli in front of the deity.

Sprinkle water, ring the bell or perform arati and offer the Prasad to God 10 minutes before the transition time.

During this time the devotee chants the famous Tamil Chant associated with Savitri Nombu

Urugda Venaiyum oru adai nveithan.
Oru kaalam yen kanavan yenaai piriyatha iruka vendum
(I offer adai and butter to you. So that my husband and I never separate)

A few devotees read the legend of Savitri and Satyavan also.

Then the devotee can wear the yellow thread with flowers and turmeric around the neck.

After prayers, the fast is broken by eating a Kara-adai.

That which is left on the banana leaf is distributed as prasad along with Karadai dish.

Some people perform a Kamakshi Puja during Savithri Noombu.

On this occasion, IshtaDevata wishes all the ladies a happy karadayan nonbu.

DrikaSumangali Bhava.