Being Myself: Aadip Perukku

ஆடிப்பெருக்கு (ஆடி 18ஆம் நாள்)

Today is 18th day of Tamil month AADI(3rd Aug 2013)

Aadipperukku is much familiar to all those who are lucky enough to live in the fertile lands of CAUVERY DELTA districts (Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam) and Tiruchirapalli too(Srirangam especially).

Why am writing this?

I am a Post-grad student currently residing in Manchester of South-India. But being born & brought up in the holy town of Kumbakonam aka 'Thiruk Kudanthai'(திருக்குடந்தை), there are lot of sweet memories about this specific day, that will never fade away.

Significance of the fest:-

Agriculture is the main occupation of people in the Cauvery delta region. This day, in particular, is celebrated to thank the river Cauvery and the other God and Godesses and wish for prosperity in the future. On this day, people used to throng in large numbers in the banks of the river. They used to do poojas by offering flowers & fruits. They even lit lamps and make it to float along the flowing water. Post poojas, guys will be tied a yellow thread(dipped in turmeric solutions) in the wrist and for ladies around their neck.

Newly married copules will offer garlands(which they used during their marriage-yea ofcourse those are preserved without disposal even after months) to the river cauvery.

Above all these, this day is expected very eagerly beacause Government will anounce local holiday for all Schools, Colleges and Government offices. So entire day used to be a complete celebration and fun filled day.

Long lasting memories

What is happening nowadays during holidays.. one will just sit before TV/PC or roam around or go to theatres.

But this is not the way we used to be in those times(1990's and early 2000's). The most important activity for us was riding SAPPARAM(Car kind of thing) for the whole day.

Sapparam?? How it will look like??

Sapparam(car), which I mentioned here is the miniature of the big sapparam used in temples to showcase Urchavar God. I searched for pictures in Google but end up only with pictures of the big sapparam of temples. So I myself spent few minutes in sketching it out.

To those who are not aware, Sapparam is a 4 wheeled car kind of vehicular miniature model made of wood. We used to refurnish it every year with color papers/paints. In centre of the vehicle we used to paste images or place portraits of various Gods like Pillayar, Murugan, Shiva, Vishnu, Amman, Hanuman, etc.

So What we do once the vehicle is ready is - ROAD SHOW. Road show is the most awaited part of the day. We used to tie a rope in the front and drive it along the streets. There used to be a heavy competition with our friends living next door. I even remember the verbal fights/arguments on the decorations of vehicles.

What's happening today?

I really wonder whether the same excitement and mood exist today among the people and children. Another disappointment is the availability of water in the river.

The children of today's generation will miss such celebrations and enjoyments. I am longing to be part of such celebrations which represents the strong traditional, social and religious values of our Tamilnadu.

Land of rich traditions

Somewhere online, I read articles mentioning that our Tamil language and our culture may be the oldest of the civilizations. But being from such a place and following the bloodlines of civilized people, we are forgetting and ignoring the knowledge, habits and traditional values of our own.

Let us celebrate the day and pray for seasonal rains and thereby for the prosperity of farmers!

Later Added-
Real sapparam at sale. Photo Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/ilovekudanthai
Good to see that celebration is on.. :)