Aadi Amavasai, a special day dedicated to our forefathers and ancestors, is observed annually during the Tamil month of July-August. This year it falls on July 30th, Saturday. Then the grand festival of August 'Nallur Festival' follows Aadi Amavasai and starts on 4th Aug 2011 Thursday. (Full Schedule attached below)
The new moon (amavasai) in the Tamil month of Aadi is observed with special prayers, poojas and offering of food to the forefathers.The new moon day is considered something special in almost all civilizations. Some people believed that this day relates to demonic qualities and some other think as auspicious and benevolent. In Hindu community, the two Amavasya considered most important are "Aadi Amavasya" and "Thai Amavasya". On Aadi Amavasai day Hindus perform "Tharpanam."
Taking a holy dip in a river is considered a pre-requisite for performing a Tharpanam, as it is believed that all one’s physical as well as mental impurities are washed away by doing so. Devotees take a holy dip in the various sacred rivers, seas and sacred ponds or Teerthams on this day. They were given sesame seeds to throw into the sea. After taking a dip in the holy sea, they go to the temples to pray for their forefathers.
