Padhinettam Perukku Festival at Palar River, Thirupathur

The festival of Padhinettam Perukku also known as "Aadi Perukku" is held on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. "Perukku" means "raising" in Tamil. This festival is a reflection of the River Kaveri's rise due to the monsoon rains. The Tamil calendar month of Aadi is marked by festivities and fervour honouring Water and other natural resources. Prayers and pujas are performed throughout this month to express gratitude to the mighty Goddesses for abundant natural resources. The River Palar flows through the village of Kodaiyanchi near the Vaniyambadi town of Thirupathur district. The banks of the river are home to a 1000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva- Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple and Lord Murugan - Arulmigu Murugan Temple. Hundreds of devotees gather on the day of “Padhinettam Perukku” to celebrate the occasion by offering sweet Pongal to the deity. Mulaipari, also known as the sprouting or germination of nine grains (Navadhanyam) in clay mud pots, is a crucial ceremony that is performed in the temples during this occasion. Nine different varieties of cultivated grains are packed in the earthen pots that the procession devotees carry on their heads as they move towards the river where the grains are dissolved. The newly wedded couples from the surrounding villages come to this festival to replace their "mangalya thread" tied on the day of their marriage with a new one along with gold coins and trinkets. Women make a lamp using rice and jaggery, set it upon plantain leaves, and let it float along the River Palar.