Avani Avittam also called as Upakarma is an auspicious day for Brahmins. This festival is conducted once a year during the Avani Tamil Month and Avittam Natchatra and on a Pournami (Shravan Poornima) (full moon) day and hence the name Avani Avittam. This is the day when the sacred thread - poonal is changed along with relevant rituals and offerings. When bestowed with the sacred thread it is believed that the third eye (wisdom) opens up.
On the day of Avani Avittam a sacred vow or MahaSankalpam is taken for the compensation of sins committed in the last year and sacred mantras are chanted during the time. The sacred thread is called Yajnopavit is worn on this day is the most important ritual. After wearing the new one, the old one is discarded to signify the new beginnings.
The festival of Avani Avittam signifies a new beginning of learning Veda. In the Hindu mythology, this day is considered very auspicious as Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Hayagriva, the God of knowledge, on this day. Lord Hayagriva was the one who reinstated the Vedas to Lord Brahma. This day is also celebrated as Hayagriva Jayanti.
Avani Avittam holds immense importance to Yajur, Sama and Rig Vedic Brahmins. Avani Avittam is also celebrated as the day to express gratitude towards the Rishis for the spiritual knowledge and ancestors for their existence. The day after Avani Avittam is celebrated as Gayatri Japam, where the mantra is chanted 1008 times.
Usually a full spread of south Indian meals is prepared on this auspicious day along with vadai and thirukanamudhu. Please click on the links for individual recipes.
- More Kuzhambu
- Sathamudhu / Rasam
- Beans Karamudhu / Poriyal
- Arisi Thengai Thirukanamudhu / Payasam
- Paruppu Vadai
- Nei Appam
- Mangai Pachadi
Serve along with Appalam, White Rice, Paruppu, Ghee and Curd for a complete meal.
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