Aadi Masam began on July 17 and ends on August 17 (today).

Aadi Masam, or Adi, is the fourth month in Tamil Calendar and is termed inauspicious by many as the Dakshinayana Punyakalam begins in the month. In 2015, the Aadi Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 17. But several Tamil Hindu rituals and festivals are held in the month of Aadi and therefore it is also auspicious to some people.

Here are the important festivals and auspicious days in Aadi Masam in 2015.

Aadi Pirappu - Aadi Pandigai - The first day of Aadi is observed as Aadi Pirappu. It means beginning of the month. The day begins with the making of huge kolams (Rangoli designs) in front of the home. The kolam is drawn on all days of the month. The kolams are bordered with red color – Kaavi. Doorways are decorated with mango leaves. The day begins with pujas and visit to temple. There will be a feast on the day with special delicacies include payasam, vadai, boli etc.

On the first day of Aadi, married women change the yellow thread in their Mangalsutra or thali.

Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the night of the Devas, begins on the first day of the month Aadi. It is marked on July 17, 2015. Some communities perform Tarpanam on the day. The sun changes its direction during this period and next six months is the night time of the gods. Due to this reason, no auspicious events are held in the month.

Aadi Chevvai – the Tuesdays in Aadi Masam is highly auspicious.

Aadi Velli – Fridays in the Aadi Masam is also considered auspicious.

Aadi Amavasi (August 14, 2015) – No moon day in Aadi month dedicated to offering Shradh and Tarpan to dead ancestors.

Aadi Pooram (August 16, 2015) – The day is dedicated to Andal.

Varalakshmi Puja (August 28, 2015) – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi. (This year it is in Aavani Masam)

Aadi Perukku (August 3) – The festival is dedicated to KaveriRiver and falls on the eighteenth day in Aadi Masam.

Aadi Karthigai (August 8, 2015) – festival dedicated to Lord Muruga.