Karadaiyan Nombu

Karadayan Nonbu is a festival of fasting [vratham] wherein married Tamil women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. According to tradition, this nonbu will be performed exactly at the time when the Tamil month of Maasi ends and the following month of Panguni begins.

The background behind this fasting is that Sathi Savithri fought with Yama to save her husband's life on this day. Similarly, married women fast on this auspicious day for the long life of their husbands.

The specialty of this nonbu is the nivedyam. The nivedyam of this fasting is the Karadayan Nonbu Adai with butter along with betel leaves (vetrilai), areca nut (pakku), banana (pazham), and coconut. Yellow strings are worn by the womenfolk of the house. In each string a small flower is tied up; one string is worn on the Kamakshi Amman picture while the other strings are worn by the women in the house.

Karadaiyan Nombu also known as ‘Savitri Nonbu Vritham’ is an important festival for married women in the state of Tamil Nadu. On this day, women offer prayers for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed on a chosen day when the transition takes place between two Tamil months, namely, Panguni and Massi. It is observed at the exact time when the Tamil month of Massi ends and the month of Panguni begins. In the Gregorian calendar, this festival falls in the month of March. Women observe a strict fast on this day and the special feast is prepared for the occasion. Karadaiyan Nombu is observed with full gaiety and fervor not only in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu but also in foreign countries like the USA, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, and Malaysia.

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

"உருகாத வெண்ணையும் ஓர் அடையும் நோற்று உனக்கு நான் வைத்தேன்,
எந்நாளும் என் கணவர் என்னை விட்டு நீங்காத அருள் தருவாய்" என்று அம்மனை நோக்கி வேண்டி நமஸ்கரிக்கவும்.

Materials required for Pooja

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