This is when the bride’s parents used to invite the bride back home. This was because the women who conceived during the Aadi month used to give birth during April – May, the hottest months. In earlier days, when there were no hospitals the infant mortality rate used to be high during the hot months. Unfortunately, even today some Indian families (especially Tamils) still continue to practice such ritual.
Lucky for us, both of our families are not that conservative. Instead, we just observe the ‘Aadi Perukku’, 18th day of Aadi month. Since Aadi month falls during the peak monsoon season and most of the rivers will be overflowing during this period. People celebrate this overflow of water by assembling and praying on the river banks. They pray to Gods to keep the rivers always filled so that they will have enough water for agriculture.
In Tamil Nadu, India the festival is also known as ‘Pathinettam Perukku’ and is mainly held along the banks of River Cauvery. But adapting to current lifestyle and geographical location, today the festival is held near all water bodies including reservoirs, lakes, beaches and tanks. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in the sea and rivers on the Aadi Amavasi day.
During this ‘Aadi Perukku’ we need to let go of our ‘dried-up’ wedding garland in the sea as part of the ritual. Therefore, on coming Monday, 3rd July, Radha and I will be going to the Morib beach to perform our ritual.
The beach town of Morib is situated at the fringe of the state of Selangor, south-west along the coastline. I heard it used to be a popular seaside resort and picnickers' haven in the 70s.
Below is our picture performing the 'Aadi Perrukke' ritual.
Note: There are alot more pictures is pending to upload as I hardly find time to do some editing. Hope I can do it over the weekend.
