Karadaiyan Nombu – The Vrat for longevity of Husband

Karadaiyan Nombu or Savitri Nombu is a popular vrat and puja observed by the married woman. It is observed on the transition day of the Tamil month Masi (February – March) to Panguni (Phalgun) (March – April).

The Vrat is based on the legend of Savitri and how she saved her husband Sathyavan’s life. The name of the Vrat is derived from the offering known as Kara-adai; it is believed that Savithri (the protagonist of the legend) offered the kara-adai to God for sparing the life of her husband. Women folk consume the Kara-Adai and break the fast.

This celebration also marks the transition of the Sun from Kumbha Rasi to Meena rasi or Meena Sankramanam. This is similar to the Vat savithri or Shivaratri celebrated in the north. Married women fast for marital bliss and wellbeing of their husband, whereas young girls fast to marry an ideal man.

During the karadaiyan nombu pooja, after fasting women tie a thread smeared with turmeric around their neck and pray for the longevity and wellbeing of their husband.

Date: 14-March-2017 Tuesday

Auspicious time to tie Manjal Saradu is between 4.42 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. (IST)