Thiruvathira Festival: Know all about Thiruvathirai and cosmic dance of Shiva — Check Arudra Darshan date, time

Thiruvathira Festival: Thiruvathira is a Hindu festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Also known as Thiruvathirai or Ardra Darshan, it is an important Hindu Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Thiruvathira is considered highly auspicious as it is believed that Lord Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, was born on this day. 

When is Thiruvathira 2023?

Thiruvathira is observed in the month of Markazhi (Margashirsa) on the full moon day (Pournami or Purnima).

In Kerala, Thiruvathirai is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).

This year Thiruvathira will be celebrated on January 6.

Thiruvathira Festival: Cosmic Dance of Shiva

The festival marks the day of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva or Taandav and is largely celebrated in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
 
 
Thiruvathirakali: Dance

Thiruvathirakali is a group dance of women in Kerala. This dance is performed by women in small groups with great joy.

The women enjoy the festival to the fullest and perform a number of rituals on this day.

What is Thiruvathirai Kali: Recipe 

A special dish is prepared on Thiruvathira which is Thiruvadhirai kali.

 Thiruvadhirai kali is prepared from rice, jaggery, moong dal, coconut, cardamom and ghee and is served with special Thiruvathirai ezhlu curry koottu.  

The curry koottu is cooked with seven vegetables - pooshanikai (pumpkin), paranghikai (ash gourd), vazhakkai (plantain), pacha mochai (field beans), sarkaraivalli kizhangu (sweet potato), cheppan kizhangu (colocasia), urulai kizhangu (potato), katharikai (eggplant), etc.