Aadi Amavasai is observed in the Tamil month of Aadi / Aashada / Karka (cancer) between July 15th and August 17th.
Aadi Amavasai is the first amavasai that falls after the start of Dakshinayanam . Dakshinayanam is when the sun moves to the south of Equator . In western India, it is known as Ghatari Amavasya .
Like every other Amavasai, the pithrus are worshipped and the whole family seeks their blessing . It is believed that those who observe Aadi Amavasai their families are blessed with good luck,peace and prosperity by their ancestors. Tamil Brahmins offer tharpanam around mid morning and offer Dakshina to the Vadhyar / priest . Tharpanam is offered only by the sons who have no father .
According to Garuda Puranam, offering black til (sesame seeds) and water to forefathers on this day will please them and they shall bless you with longevity, success, progeny and relief from debts.
My prasadam platter above was prepared for last year's (2023) Aadi Amavasai .In 2024 ,Aadi Amavsai is on Aug 4th 2024 .
As like every other special occasion, even Aadi Amavasai is celebrated with an elaborate meal spread offered to our pithrus . Each family has their own tradition of preparing the food . In a typical Tamil brahmin home ,we make Vadai and Payasam along with Raw Banana (vazhakkai) curry , pepper based kuzhambu , jeera pepper rasam ,cucumber pachadi ,boiled moong dhall .
Along with this you can also prepare Arbi fry (seppankizhangu fry) ,Suyyam / Sugiyan ,Inji Thogayal etc etc .
In Maharashtra and Gujarat ,people feast and rejoice on Ghatari amavasya as Shravan Mahina commences on the day after Amavasya and people observe Vrat/fasting and refrain from eating non veg during Chatur Maas .
This year in 2024 it is celebration galore continously .
Aug 2 - Aadi Vellikizhamai - auspicious Friday in the month of Aashada. How to offer maav vilakku on Aadi Vellikizhamai?
Aug 3 - Aadi Pathinettam Perukku - Thanks giving and gratitude to River Kaveri . You may read my post on Significance of Aadi Perukku on my blog.
Aug 4 - Aadi Amavasai.
Aug 7 - Thiru Aadi Pooram ( birth of Sri Aandal)
Click on the recipe Names below for a complete recipe
- Payatham Paruppu Payasam / Moong dhall kheer
- Ulundhu Vadai / Medhu Vadai
- Jeera Milagu Rasam (skip the tomato while making for Amavasai)
- Vazhakkai Podimaas / Raw Banana curry
- Vellarikaai Pachadi/ Cucumber Raita
- Milagu Kuzhambu
- Rice + Ghee
- Boiled Moong Dhall with mustard jeera tempering.
Incase you don't have time to prepare such an elaborate menu for Amavasai, you can look up my post on Basic Amavasai Thaligai and cook up and simple, yet authentic offering for Amavasai.
To know about the Significance of Mahalaya Amavasai look up my post on the same .