Aadi Pooram 2026 | Aadi Puram Festival in Aadi Month

Aadi Pooram festival is celebrated Tamil Nadu, some parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh in Aadi month (July – August) as per Tamil calendar. In 2026, Aadi Pooram date is August 14, Friday. It is celebrated on the day of Puram or Pooram nakshatram in Aadi Masam.

This festival is also celebrated as Andal Jayanthi, birthday of Andal Ammal who is believed as the incarnation of Goddess Sakti Devi.

Aadi Pooram is celebrated with much gusto in Madurai Meenakshi temple, Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Temple, Srivilliputtur Andal Temple, Tirunelveli, Vedaranyam temple, and other temples in Tiruvadaimarudhur, Mayavaram, Srivanjiyam and Tiruvannamalai.

It is considered highly auspicious when Aadi Pooram falls on Friday.

This festival carries dual significance: it is the birth anniversary of Goddess Andal (one of the 12 Alwar saints) and a sacred celebration dedicated to Goddess Shakti.

The Birth of Goddess Andal

The primary significance of Aadi Pooram is the incarnation of Andal (an avatar of Bhudevi, Mother Earth). She was found as a baby in the holy garden of Periyalwar in Srivilliputhur.

• The Legend of the Garland: Andal grew up with unconditional, intense love for Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu). Before her father offered garlands to the deity, Andal would secretly wear them herself to see if they suited her Lord. When her father discovered this, he was devastated and offered a fresh garland instead. However, the Lord appeared in his dream and stated he only desired the garlands worn by Andal. Thus, she is affectionately called Soodi Kodutha Sudarkodi (the bright vine who wore and gave the garland).

• The Divine Union: On Aadi Pooram, devotees celebrate her absolute devotion. Eventually, she merged with Lord Ranganatha at Srirangam.

A Grand Celebration for Expectant Mothers

Aadi Pooram is also treated as a divine Valaikaappu (Bangle Ceremony) for Goddess Amman in Shakti temples across the state.

• The Bangle Ritual: Temples of Goddess Parvati, Kamakshi, and Mariamman are adorned with thousands of glass bangles.

• Blessings for Motherhood: Women pray to the Goddess on this day for a happy marriage, safe childbirth, and the blessing of children. After the prayers, these bangles are distributed to the women present as Prasadam. Wearing these bangles is believed to bring immense protection and prosperity.

Traditional Observances

• Srivilliputhur Festivities: The grandest celebrations take place at the Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur, featuring a spectacular Car Festival (Therottam) where the deities are taken around the town in a massive wooden chariot.

• Recitations: Devotees, especially women, wake up at dawn and decorate their doorsteps with beautiful kolams (rangoli). They chant Andal’s famous hymns, the Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi, to invoke her grace.

• Special Offerings: Sweets like Sarkkarai Pongal (sweet pongal), Akkaravadisal (a traditional milk and rice sweet favored by Andal), and various fruits are offered to the deity.