Karadaiyan Nombu is an important traditional Vrat observed in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Karadaiyan Nonbu, Karadayan Nombu or Savitri Vratam. The festival is observed around the end of the Tamil solar month of Masi and the beginning of Panguni.
Karadaiyan Nombu is associated with the mythological story of Savitri and Satyavan. On this day, married women observe the Vrat for their husband’s longevity, a happy married life and the well-being of the family. Unmarried women may also observe this Vrat with the desire for a good life partner. On Karadaiyan Nombu, women worship Goddess Gauri and wear a sacred yellow thread known as Manjal Saradu or Nombu Charadu.
‘Karadai’ is the name of the special Naivedya prepared on this occasion, while ‘Nombu’ means Vrat or fasting.
When is Karadaiyan Nombu in 2027?
In 2027, Karadaiyan Nombu will be observed on March 15, 2027, Monday. The festival is observed around the end of the Tamil month of Masi and the beginning of Panguni, which coincides with Meena Sankranti.
Important Information About Karadaiyan Nombu 2027
• Karadaiyan Nombu: March 15, 2027, Monday
• Occasion: End of Masi and beginning of Panguni
• Associated Sankranti: Meena Sankranti
Religious Significance of Karadaiyan Nombu
Karadaiyan Nombu is primarily associated with the story of Savitri and Satyavan. According to religious beliefs, Savitri brought her husband Satyavan back to life from Yama. For this reason, the Vrat is observed with the intention of praying for the husband’s longevity and marital happiness.
For detailed information about the date, Puja Vidhi, Savitri-Satyavan story and religious significance of Savitri Vrat: -Read our article on Savitri Vrat.
On this day, women worship Goddess Gauri and, after the Puja, wear the sacred yellow thread known as Manjal Saradu around their neck. This thread is considered a symbol of prayers for the husband’s longevity, marital happiness and the well-being of the family.
Rituals Performed on Karadaiyan Nombu
On Karadaiyan Nombu, women take a bath in the morning, take a Sankalp for the Vrat and perform Puja according to their traditional customs. Goddess Gauri is especially worshipped on this occasion.
A special Naivedya called Karadai is prepared on this day. It is made using ingredients such as rice flour, lentils or black chickpeas, and jaggery. The method and ingredients may vary slightly among different families.
Betel leaves, areca nuts, Kumkum, turmeric, fruits and other Puja materials are placed on the Puja plate. After offering Karadai Naivedya to the Goddess, the Puja is completed.
After the Puja, women wear the Manjal Saradu or Nombu Charadu. This sacred thread holds special religious significance in the observance of Karadaiyan Nombu.
Karadaiyan Nombu Puja Vidhi
The Puja for Karadaiyan Nombu is performed according to family and regional traditions. In general, the Puja may be performed as follows:
1. Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the Puja area and purify it.
3. Install an idol or image of Goddess Gauri or Goddess Parvati.
4. Keep betel leaves, areca nuts, turmeric, Kumkum, flowers, fruits and other Puja materials ready.
5. Prepare Karadai Naivedya and offer it to the Goddess.
6. Listen to or recite the story of Savitri and Satyavan.
7. Worship Goddess Gauri and perform Aarti.
8. At the auspicious time, wear the Manjal Saradu or sacred yellow thread.
9. Pray for the husband’s longevity, marital happiness and the well-being of the family.
10. After the Puja, complete the Vrat and have Prasad according to the family tradition.
Significance of Karadai During Karadaiyan Nombu
The word ‘Karadai’ has special significance in Karadaiyan Nombu. It is the traditional Naivedya offered to the Goddess on this day. It is generally prepared using rice flour, lentils or black chickpeas and jaggery.
After the Puja, Karadai is traditionally consumed as Prasad. In some families, it is also traditionally eaten with unsalted butter.
Karadai is not merely a food item but also an important part of the traditional religious identity of this festival.
What Is Manjal Saradu?
Manjal Saradu is a yellow sacred thread worn by women during Karadaiyan Nombu. It is tied around the neck after the Puja.
According to religious beliefs, this thread symbolizes prayers for the husband’s longevity, marital happiness and the well-being of the family. The timing for tying the Manjal Saradu is associated with the end of Masi and the beginning of Panguni.
Savitri-Satyavan Vrat Katha
The story of Savitri is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. According to the story, a righteous king named Ashwapati ruled in the kingdom of Madra. He was truthful, forgiving and devoted to Dharma, but he had no children.
At one point, King Ashwapati worshipped Goddess Savitri. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess blessed him with a daughter. After some time, a divine-looking girl was born to him. Since she was born through the blessings of Goddess Savitri, she was named Savitri.
As Savitri grew up, she became highly virtuous and devoted to Dharma. When the time came for her marriage, King Ashwapati asked her to choose a suitable husband for herself.
Savitri travelled to several Ashrams and pilgrimage places. During this journey, she saw Satyavan, the son of King Dyumatsena, who was living in the forest. Satyavan was righteous, truthful and virtuous. Savitri chose him as her husband.
Sage Narada told King Ashwapati that Satyavan was highly virtuous but had only one year of life remaining. Hearing this, the king asked Savitri to choose another husband.
Savitri clearly stated that she had already accepted Satyavan as her husband in her heart and would not choose another man.
Eventually, Savitri and Satyavan were married. After the marriage, Savitri lived in the forest with her husband and in-laws.
As the time of Satyavan’s death approached, Savitri observed a strict Vrat and performed Puja. On the day Satyavan went into the forest to cut wood, Savitri also accompanied him.
While working in the forest, Satyavan developed a severe headache and began resting with his head in Savitri’s lap. Shortly afterward, Yama arrived and began taking Satyavan’s life.
Savitri followed Yama. She spoke to him about Dharma, truth and the duties of a devoted wife. Impressed by Savitri’s wisdom, devotion and commitment to Dharma, Yama decided to grant her a boon.
Savitri asked for several blessings, including the restoration of her father-in-law’s eyesight, the return of his lost kingdom and the well-being of her family. Eventually, she also received the boon that brought Satyavan’s life back.
Thus, Savitri returned to the Ashram with her husband Satyavan. In religious tradition, the story of Savitri is considered a symbol of marital love, devotion and determination.
Connection Between Karadaiyan Nombu and Savitri Vrat
Because of the story of Savitri and Satyavan, Karadaiyan Nombu is also known as Savitri Vratam. On this occasion, women pray like Savitri for their husband’s longevity and a happy married life.
The worship of Goddess Gauri, preparation of Karadai Naivedya and wearing of the Manjal Saradu are particularly important traditions associated with Karadaiyan Nombu.
What to Do on Karadaiyan Nombu?
Karadaiyan Nombu should be observed with devotion and according to one’s family traditions. Women may worship Goddess Gauri according to their traditional practices.
On this day:
• Take a bath in the morning and take a Sankalp for the Vrat.
• Worship Goddess Gauri.
• Prepare Karadai Naivedya and offer it to the Goddess.
• Read or listen to the story of Savitri and Satyavan.
• Wear the Manjal Saradu at the auspicious time.
• Pray for the husband’s longevity and the happiness and prosperity of the family.
• Complete the Vrat according to your family tradition after the Puja.
Significance of Karadaiyan Nombu
Karadaiyan Nombu holds an important place in Tamil culture and religious traditions. The Vrat is primarily observed by married women with prayers for their husband’s longevity, marital happiness and the well-being of the family. Unmarried women may also observe this Vrat with the desire for a good life partner.
The story of Savitri and Satyavan connects this Vrat with determination, marital devotion and dedication to Dharma. For this reason, Karadaiyan Nombu is not merely a Vrat but also an important cultural and religious tradition in Tamil society.
What Is Special About Karadaiyan Nombu in 2027?
In 2027, Karadaiyan Nombu will be observed on March 15, Monday. On this day, the transition from the month of Masi to Panguni, along with the timing of Meena Sankranti, will also be significant.
Free Consultation for Karadaiyan Nombu
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Karadaiyan Nombu is one of the important religious and cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu. It is observed around the end of Masi and the beginning of Panguni and has a special connection with the story of Savitri and Satyavan.
In 2027, Karadaiyan Nombu will be observed on March 15, Monday. On this day, women will follow the traditional practices of worshipping Goddess Gauri, preparing Karadai Naivedya and wearing the Manjal Saradu.
