Karadaiyan Nombu 2026: Worshipping The Goddess

Karadaiyan Nombu 2026 is a beautiful, deeply spiritual festival celebrated by Tamil women worldwide. It is a day of immense devotion, where women pray for the health, long life, and prosperity of their husbands.

Karadaiyan Nombu Date: March 14, 2026 (Saturday)
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham: 06:47 AM to 01:08 AM, Mar 15

What Is Karadaiyan Nombu?

The word “Karadaiyan” comes from two words: Karadai (a special type of steamed rice cake) and Nombu (which means “fast”). This festival is celebrated when the Tamil month of Maasi ends, and Panguni begins.

It marks the Meena Sankranti, which is the transition of the Sun from the Aquarius sign to the Pisces sign.

For married women, it is a day to renew their marriage vows and seek the blessings of Goddess Kamakshi. Unmarried girls also participate in the rituals, praying to the Goddess to help them find a kind and virtuous life partner.

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What Are The Rituals Of Karadaiyan Nombu 2026?

The rituals of Karadaiyan Nombu Tamil are simple but filled with meaning. Every step of the puja is meant to show respect to the Goddess and love for the family.

1. Preparation and Fasting

Women wake up early, take a traditional bath, and wear traditional clothes. The fast begins from sunrise. Most women do not eat any rice-based meals during the day. Some follow a very strict fast without water, while others may eat fruits.

2. Preparing the “Karadai”

The most important part of the food offering is the Karadai. Devotees make this steamed dish from rice flour, jaggery, black-eyed peas, and coconut. They offer these to the Goddess along with unmelted butter.

3. The Puja and Mandapam

A small space in the house is cleaned and decorated with Kolam (rice flour patterns). An image or idol of Goddess Kamakshi is placed there. Offerings like betel leaves, betel nuts, bananas, and flowers are arranged neatly.

4. Tying the Yellow Thread (Manjal Saradu)

This is the highlight of the festival. A yellow cotton thread, often with a small piece of turmeric or a flower tied in the middle, is placed before the Goddess. After the prayers, the women tie this thread around their own necks. While tying it, they chant a famous Tamil couplet:

“Urugadha Vennaiyum Or-adaiyum Naan Tharuven, Orukaalum En Kanavar Ennai Vittu Piriyadirukkanum.”

This means: “I offer you unmelted butter and the rice cake; please bless me so that my husband and I are never separated.”

What Is The Story Of Karadaiyan Nombu?

The story behind this festival is the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan, found in the great epic, the Mahabharata.

1. The Choice of Savitri

Princess Savitri was the daughter of King Ashvapati. She chose to marry a young man named Satyavan, who lived in the forest and cared for his blind parents.

However, the great sage Narada warned her that Satyavan would die exactly one year after their marriage. Despite this warning, Savitri married him.

2. Facing the God of Death

As the predicted day of death arrived, Savitri followed Satyavan into the forest. While he was cutting wood, he suddenly felt weak and died in her lap.

Lord Yama, the God of Death, appeared to take Satyavan’s soul away. Savitri did not give up. She followed Lord Yama as he walked toward the underworld.

Impressed by her persistence and her wise words about Dharma (duty), Yama offered her three boons, anything except the life of her husband.

3. The Clever Request

Savitri was very smart. She asked for her father-in-law’s eyesight and his lost kingdom. Lastly, she asked for a blessing of a hundred sons.

Lord Yama, without thinking, granted the wish. Savitri then politely pointed out that as a devoted and virtuous wife, she could not have children if her husband were dead. Realising her devotion and intelligence had outwitted him, Lord Yama smiled and restored Satyavan to life.

Savitri quickly offered the forest fruits and simple Karadaiyan Nombu adai she had prepared to the gods in gratitude. This is why women today make the “Karadai” and tie the yellow thread to celebrate Savitri’s victory over death.

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What Are The Dos and Don’ts Of Karadaiyan Nombu?

Below are the things one should do and avoid during the Karadaiyan Nombu 2026 festival.

1. Karadaiyan Nombu: Dos

Make sure the house and the place of worship are spotless to welcome the Goddess.
It is traditional to wear a saree and adorn yourself with flowers and jewellery.
The butter offered must be fresh and unmelted, symbolising a cool and steady mind.

2. Karadaiyan Nombu: Don’ts

Avoid regular rice meals until you offer the Karadai.
Perform the “Saradu” (thread) ceremony as close to the auspicious transition time as possible.
Wear the yellow thread for a few days. Many women keep it until it wears off naturally.

Conclusion

Karadaiyan Nombu 2026 is more than just a religious ritual; it is a celebration of women’s inner strength. Just as Savitri used her intelligence and devotion to save her husband, women today use this day to focus their positive energy on the well-being of their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is unmelted butter offered to the Goddess during the Karadaiyan Nombu?

The butter represents a “cool” and steady heart. The devotee prays that their family life remains smooth and free from the “heat” of arguments or troubles.

2. Can unmarried women perform Karadaiyan Nombu 2026?

Yes, unmarried girls can and do participate in Karadaiyan Nombu.

3. What should I do if I cannot perform the Karadaiyan Nombu puja at the exact time?

In such cases, most families consult the Panchangam and choose an auspicious time (Nalla Neram) during the daylight hours.

4. Is it mandatory to wear a new saree for Karadaiyan Nombu 2026?

While it is not strictly mandatory to wear a brand-new saree, it is a common custom. Many women prefer to wear a new “Pattu” (silk) saree to mark the occasion’s importance.

5. What is the significance of the yellow thread (Manjal Saradu) in Karadaiyan Nombu?

The yellow thread is the most sacred symbol of this festival. It represents the Mangalsutra or the protective bond of marriage.

6. Can I eat regular food after the Karadaiyan Nombu puja is over?

. Traditionally, women avoid eating a full rice-based meal (such as sambar rice or curd rice) for the rest of the day, instead sticking to Prasad and fruits.

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