Avani Avittam or Aavani Avittam is one of the most famous South Indian festivals celebrated in the southern states of India such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa and Maharashtra. Also known as Upakarma or Yagnopaveetha Dhaarana, Avani Avittam Festival is followed mainly by the Brahmin community. It falls during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid July-mid August) or Avani (mid August - mid September) on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar.
In North India, Aavani Avittam is celebrated as Rakshabhandan Festival (Raksha Bhandan) and a Rakhi is tied round the wrist of brothers by the sisters. This day is said to be the day when Lord Vishnu took his incarnation as Lord Hayagriva who protected the Vedas. He is also called as the God of wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that reciting Vedas on Aavani Avittam day is really significant. There are four different Vedas and the Avani Avittam is performed in different ways by the followers. In 2021, Avani Avittam Festival is observed on 22 August 2021.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Yajur Vedics)
1) Offering prayers to the ancient Rishis (sages), called as Rishi Tharpanam is recited.
2) After doing Mahasankalpam (reiterating their vows of apologies), the Brahmin bachelors perform 'Samitha Daanam' and 'Kamo Karshith Japam'. Next, with the guidance of the priest, 3) Kaanda Rishi tharpanam is performed.
4) The male members are required to have only a light meal at night.
5) Gayathri Japam is recited on the next day after an early bath. Appam and Idli are served.
6) Naivedhyam for the Homam (fire ritual) include Green Gram, Dhal or Kondai Kadalai (Chick Pea) Sundal.
7) The fire ritual is performed either in the houses or at temples, assisted by priests. Aarti is performed on returning home.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Rig Vedic)
For Rig Vedic, there is no 'Kamo Karshith Japam' or Homam. Rests of the procedures are same as that of Yajur Vedic.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Sama Vedic)
For Sama Vedic, Avani Avittam is celebrated on Ganesh Chathurthi day. The procedures for Avani Avittam ritual for Sama Vedics are similar to the Yajur Vedic.
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In North India, Aavani Avittam is celebrated as Rakshabhandan Festival (Raksha Bhandan) and a Rakhi is tied round the wrist of brothers by the sisters. This day is said to be the day when Lord Vishnu took his incarnation as Lord Hayagriva who protected the Vedas. He is also called as the God of wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that reciting Vedas on Aavani Avittam day is really significant. There are four different Vedas and the Avani Avittam is performed in different ways by the followers. In 2021, Avani Avittam Festival is observed on 22 August 2021.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Yajur Vedics)
1) Offering prayers to the ancient Rishis (sages), called as Rishi Tharpanam is recited.
2) After doing Mahasankalpam (reiterating their vows of apologies), the Brahmin bachelors perform 'Samitha Daanam' and 'Kamo Karshith Japam'. Next, with the guidance of the priest, 3) Kaanda Rishi tharpanam is performed.
4) The male members are required to have only a light meal at night.
5) Gayathri Japam is recited on the next day after an early bath. Appam and Idli are served.
6) Naivedhyam for the Homam (fire ritual) include Green Gram, Dhal or Kondai Kadalai (Chick Pea) Sundal.
7) The fire ritual is performed either in the houses or at temples, assisted by priests. Aarti is performed on returning home.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Rig Vedic)
For Rig Vedic, there is no 'Kamo Karshith Japam' or Homam. Rests of the procedures are same as that of Yajur Vedic.
Procedures for Avani Avittam Ritual (for Sama Vedic)
For Sama Vedic, Avani Avittam is celebrated on Ganesh Chathurthi day. The procedures for Avani Avittam ritual for Sama Vedics are similar to the Yajur Vedic.
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Thanks for your complete description on " Avani avittam". But as a lay man, I am still wondering Why "Avani" avittam is celebrated in the month of " Aadi"? Any answers.. Please.
ReplyDeleteThe reason it is Aadi is because of the difference in the Tamizh calendar months and the Sanskrit Panchangam. No matter what, the occassion falls on the full moon, Purnima, of Shravana Maasam.
ReplyDeleteThis might be in Aadi or Avani of the Tamizh Panchangam
Hope this helps.
Soumya Aravind Sitaraman, author of Follow the Hindu Moon: Practical guide to south Indian Festivals
With all due respects for the author, I would like to point some corrections on the procedure.
ReplyDeleteThe procedure to be followed is -
1. Sandya Vandanam in the morning
2. Kamokarishi Mantra Japam
3. Deva, Rishi, Pitru Tarpanam
4. Yagnopaveetha Dharanam
5. Mahasankalpam
6. Kandarishi Tarpanam
7. Vedarambam, Homam etc.
Hari Om!!