Aadi Velli refers to the sacred Fridays in the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August), which are especially dedicated to the worship of the Divine Feminine—Goddess Shakti in her many forms such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Parvati. These Fridays are considered highly auspicious by Tamil Hindus, particularly women, who observe special vrathams (fasts) and perform pujas seeking blessings for prosperity, protection, marital bliss, and fertility.
The month of Aadi is believed to be filled with divine feminine energy, and each Aadi Velli (Friday) holds spiritual significance. It is said that the Goddess comes closer to her devotees during this period, and prayers offered with devotion are quickly heard and granted.
On Aadi Velli, women wake up early, take a holy bath, and decorate their homes with kolams (rangoli) and fresh flowers. The puja area is adorned with a lamp (kuthuvilakku), and an image or idol of the chosen goddess is placed with devotion.
Puja offerings typically include:
- Turmeric and kumkum
- Betel leaves and areca nuts
- Fruits, coconut, and traditional sweets like pidi kozhukattai, payasam, and adai
- Lemon lamps are lit for Durga, while red or yellow flowers are offered to Shakti
Devotees chant Lalitha Sahasranamam, Durga Ashtothram, or Lakshmi Sahasranamam, depending on the form of the goddess being worshipped. Aarti is performed, and prasadam is shared with family and neighbors.
Many women also undertake the Aadi Velli Vratham, a vow to fast partially or fully, and to pray with sincerity for family welfare, especially for the well-being of husbands and children.
Aadi Velli Puja is a deeply enriching and spiritually powerful ritual that invokes the divine mother’s grace to bring strength, harmony, and abundance into the devotee’s life.
