Chandigarh, August 1, 2013: The ambience at the Lord Kartikeya Swamy Temple in Sector 31, Chandigarh, on Wednesday was filled with the sound of mantras and the fragrance of incense sticks as Tamil residents of the tricity gathered to celebrate the auspicious day of 'Aadi Krithigaia'. It is the day Tamils pray to Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, for maintaining healthy relationships at home and harmony at work.

Aadi Krithigai is an important festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi, a month considered auspicious for spiritual activities. In this month, Goddess Shakti is worshipped in its different forms on different Fridays, and Lord Kartikeya is worshipped on Aadi Krithigai.

"This day is auspicious as Krittika Nakshatraa begins today, and it is considered auspicious to pray to Lord Kartikeya. It is a day to rebuild positive energies. On this day, people go to temples and organize poojas. They pray for happiness and peace in their personal relationships, and for maintaining harmony at the workplace," informed Raj Shekhar, general secretary of the Lord Murugan Bhakta Samaj from Lord Kartikeya Temple.

The day began with Ganapathi Hawan and Subramanyam Hawan, followed by Mahaabhishekam to Lord Kartikeya Swamy in the morning. Later, the event culminated with an aarti. In the evening, Sahasranama Archanai was followed by bhajans, and Annadhanam was organized for devotees.

The devotees took along flower garlands, flowers, lemon, til, oil, desi ghee, vastaram for deities, coconuts, regular pooja items, hawan items, and things required for Mahaabhishekam, like fruits, honey,
coconut water, turmeric powder, sandal powder, rose water, milk, curd, and rice powder.

Source: The Times of India, August 1, 2013