Aadiperukku Festival - KRP Dam at Krishnagiri

The Tamil month of Aadi marks the start of the monsoon season in Tamil Nadu (between the months of July and August). Monsoon rains throughout this month cause rivers' water levels to rise, leading to the commemoration of "Aadi Perukku". Aadiperukku is a distinctive South Indian festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Aadi month. This day is celebrated to respect the Goddess of Water and Nature.  The Krishnagiri Dam, constructed between the years of 1955 and 1957, is located between the Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu. The water supply of this dam is obtained from the River Thenpennai. Thousands of acres of land are dependent on the supply of water through this dam. Goddess Parvathi Devi is honoured on this auspicious day by being offered poojas, omams and food offerings. The gushing water is what makes people joyful and glad when the dams' shutters are opened as the holds a special place in the hearts of the farmers as they await and praise this water source for farming and harvest. The Mulaipari ceremony, also known as the sprouting or germination of nine grains (Navadhanyam) in clay mud pots, is an important ritual. The farmers belonging to the surrounding villages fill nine different varieties of grown grains in clay pots and dissolve them in the gushing water. On this auspicious day, family members and friends pray together for a consistent water supply that would ultimately result in a good harvest. During this festival, women gather to change their “thaali” (nuptial thread) and cook sweet Pongal. The worshippers bathe in the sacred water and perform poojas. Hundreds of people flock to the KPR Dam to respect and celebrate the water source that will provide them with a bountiful harvest during the year.