AWAKENINGS

  Introduction:   Karadaiyaan Nombu is a significant Tamil festival observed by married and unmarried women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands or to be blessed with a good husband. This vratam (fast) is similar to the North Indian Karva Chauth but has distinct customs and traditions specific to Tamil culture.   The festival is named after the special dish, Karadai, prepared as an offering to Goddess Kamakshi and celebrated in honor of the legendary devotion of Savitri, who won back her husband Satyavan’s life from Yama, the god of death.   Significance and Mythological Background:   The festival is rooted in the story of Savitri and Satyavan, from the Mahabharata.     According to the legend, Savitri was a devoted wife who, through her wisdom, determination, and devotion, outwitted Lord Yama and secured the life of her husband, Satyavan. This event symbolizes the power of a wife’s devotion and prayers in protecting...