The Ardra Festival ( Thiruvathira )

Today is Thiruvathira Festival, which occurs during the month of Dhanus.


It symbolises the union of Purusha and Prakriti, of Siva and Sakthi. It is said that Eros or Kama Deva was burnt to ashes by the Lord, t...hereby destroying the Lust that binds man to the sublunar world.


This festival is prevalent in the Nair and Namboothiri communities in Kerala.

Actually this Festival starts on the day of Aswathi.


On Rohini day, women pray for the overall welfare of the family.


On Makiryam day, mothers fast for the well being of the children.


On Aridra day, women fast for the well being of their husbands.


They wake up at 0400 AM and go to the nearest Lord Siva shrine, before Sunrise. This is called Ardra Darshan.

Special food, koova payasam or arrowroot pudding is taken in with steamed bananas. I remember my mother giving me such food during childhood


Happy Thiruvathira to all !