Sarees of the Season: How We Celebrate Aadi with Radiance, Rituals, and Timeless Silks

At Hayagrivas Silk, we don’t just sell sarees; we honour the heritage that makes each weave part of your sacred moments. While we may not have a collection specifically for Aadi, our handwoven silks in lucky colours and classic designs naturally fit into your wardrobes this season. Tradition never goes out of season.

What Makes Aadi Special? 

Aadi marks the beginning of the Dakshinayana Punyakalam, which is the sun’s southward movement. In spiritual terms, it is a time when divine energies are believed to be particularly strong. Aadi is often viewed as a month of divine femininity, centred around goddesses like Durga, Andal, and Mariamman. 

Key observances during this month include: 

• Aadi Velli (Fridays):  Worshipping Shakti and performing special pujas.
• Aadi Perukku (18th day): Honouring water, nature, and fertility.
• Aadi Pooram: Celebrating the birth of Goddess Andal, the only female Alvar saint. 

These festivals are more than just rituals; they emphasize remembering our roots, fostering community, and expressing devotion through what we wear, cook, and offer. 

Aadi’s Colour Palette: More Than Aesthetic

One of the most beautiful aspects of Aadi is the intentional use of auspicious colours in rituals and attire. Each shade holds meaning, often chosen to match the energy of the day or deity being worshipped.

The Saree as a Ritual in Itself 

In Tamil homes, draping a saree isn’t just about dressing up; it’s an act of devotion. The fabric you choose, the way you pleat, and the motifs you wear all carry stories and symbolism. 

During Aadi, women often wear: 

• Temple-border silks with traditional motifs like chakram, Mayil, or yali
• Korvai weaves in bright contrast colours for festive Fridays
• Soft silks or checks in earthy tones for daily rituals
• Ganga Jamuna borders in pink-orange or green-maroon for Aadi Pooram 

Aadi Velli: Goddess Fridays 

Fridays in Aadi are for worshipping Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Women wake up early, draw kolams at their doorsteps, light lamps, and offer sweet Pongal or payasam. The custom of tying turmeric-soaked threads and wearing auspicious colours continues today. 

Saree Styling for Aadi Velli: 

• Red Kanjivaram with a zari pallu
• Yellow silk with mango buttas
• Temple border or annam motifs
• Finish with gold jewellery, jasmine flowers, and a deep red bindi. 

Popular pick from Hayagrivas: Traditional red-gold Korvai silk sarees or kanjivarams with Ganga Jamuna border. 

Aadi Perukku: Nature and Abundance 

The 18th day of Aadi is celebrated as Aadi Perukku, a unique South Indian festival that honours water and fertility. Families go to riverbanks, lakes, or temple tanks to offer flowers, fruits, and different kinds of rice, including lemon, curd, and tamarind.

Style Suggestion: 

• Emerald green or leaf-green sarees with a gold border.
• Simple checks or vaira oosi patterns.
• Soft silk or blended silk for comfort and elegance. 

Our artisans often recommend lightweight green sarees for Aadi Perukku because the green reflects nature’s abundance and is both photogenic and traditional.

Aadi Pooram: Andal’s Celebration 

One of the most visually stunning festivals in Aadi is Aadi Pooram, which celebrates the birth of Goddess Andal. Temples are adorned with fresh garlands. The songs of Thiruppavai fill the air, and women wear vibrant sarees to offer prayers. 

Best Looks for Aadi Pooram: 

• Pink, lavender, or purple sarees that represent Andal’s grace
• Peacock, chakram, or vanki designs in zari
• Elbow-sleeve blouses with traditional embroidery
• Antique gold accessories and gajra 

Our favourite: Light pink soft silk with a contrasting violet pallu, paired with antique temple jewellery.

Aadi and the Joy of Gifting 

In many Tamil households, gifting during Aadi is a long-standing tradition. People give gifts to a daughter-in-law, sister, or close friend.

Common Aadi gifts include: 

• Sarees in lucky colours
• Glass bangles and kumkum
• Fruits, betel leaves, and blouse material
• Pooja Thamboolam sets 

Not Sure What to Choose? Here's a Quick Guide

Celebrate the Season with What Feels Sacred 

This Aadi, whether you’re celebrating with grandeur or quiet rituals, let your saree be more than a garment. Let it reflect everything sacred: faith, family, femininity, and tradition. 

We don’t sell a collection; we share a culture. 

Drape yourself in reverence this season, from Hayagrivas, with love.