Thai Amavasai , Aadi Amavasai and Mahalaya Amavasai are very significant for Tamil people . The ancestors ,our pithrus are worshipped on Amavasai and the family seeks the blessings of our forefathers for the family's wellbeing.
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 .
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 .
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.
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