Avani Avittam /Upakarma is the day when the men of the house change their Poonal/ Sacred thread (Janeui) . It is a very important annual ritual for the South Indian Brahmins .
The men in the family come together on this day and change their poonal with guidance from the family priest or an elderly person of the family who leads the Pooja by chanting the mantras /verses and the men follow it step by step . In recent times ,there are detailed videos available online making it all the more easy to follow and change the poonal.
This festival is celebrated on a Full Moon Day / Pournami in the holy month of Shravan by most of the Tamil /Kerala Brahmins who follow the Yajur Veda tradtion. Hence also known as Yajur Upakarma. This day is also celebrated as Hayagreeva Jayanti .
Brahmins who belong to the Rig Veda / Sama Veda tradition have a different day when they perform the Upakarma.
North of India this day is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan.On this day ,the sisters tie an amulet popularly known as Rakhee on the brother's wrist;pray and wish for his well being and good health while the brother promises to be by his sister and support her .
In Maharashtra ,it is celebrated as Naaral Poornima wherein the fisher folk community offer their prayers to Lord Varuna - The God of water and rain . They pray and seek for calmer oceans ,favorable weather and protection from natural calamity.
The ladies of the house prepare a grand feast for the family and the lunch is ready by the time the men finish changing their Poonal and the entire family enjoys a delicious festive meal . Since it is also Hayagriva Jayanti some families prepare Hayagreeva Maddi - a sweet for offering.
The menu in most homes is a typical saatvik south indian festive lunch where in Onions and Garlic are avoided.
2022 lunch thali for Aavani Avittam we enjoyed
- Rice + ghee + dal
- Araichuvitta Sambar
- Tomato Rasam
- Carrot Kosamri
- Cabbage Curry
- Medhu Vadai
- Gass Gasse Payasam
- Curd
The elaborate lunch and breakfast menu is mentioned below. Click on the item names for a detailed recipe
**pics and blog post updated in Aug 2022
Breakfast
- Idli with Sambar and Chutney.
- Kesari or Nei Appam or Hayagreeva Maddi
Lunch
- Rice
- Ghee /Nei
- Paruppu / Dal
- Cucumber kosamri/kosmalli or Carrot kosamri or Maangai Pachadi
- More kuzhambu /Majjige Huli or Araichuvitta Sambar
- Beans Usili or Urulai Kaara Curry or Cabbage Curry
- Chou Chou kootu or Aviyal
- Rasam/ SaatruAmudhu
- Paruppu vadai or Thayir Vadai
- Akkara vadisal or Sakkarai pongal or Gass Gasse Payasam
- Puliyogre
- Curd
I had forgotten about the feast that followed the janu changing! We loved it and waited for the meal to be served! But I didi not know it was Hayagreeva Jayanti on this day perfect day to make Hayagreeva.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Archana, so many things we tend to forget over time, but having elders at home is a blessing and I get reminders about these minute details from time to time .
DeleteYes, it is a tradition followed in many households. I too did not know about Hayagreeva Jayanti. Informative post.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteJust love the fact that any religious or festive ceremony is followed by such an elaborate and delicious meal. Love the whole thali, wish I could have it right away. Always a pleasure to read about South Indian traditions on your blog.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Mayuri Ji. With the traditions fading away slowly ,I see this as a way of preserving for future generations
DeleteTakes me back to the times when thatha and Anna had this elaborate ritual of poonal changing at vadhyar's place and pati's house used to smell of vadai n payasam part of the feast for the menfolk! lovely share. - Kalyani
ReplyDeleteThats one yummy thali there for upkarma priya! That puliyogare and akkaravadisal are my absolute favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteWe make a festive meal for festive occasiopns and our menus match pretty much. A lovely full meal is always satisfying and makes the celebration complete.
ReplyDelete