- Pooram star in Aadi
- July or August
- Srivilliputhur and goddess temples across Tamil Nadu
Where it began
Legend says Andal was found as a baby under a tulsi plant in a temple garden in Srivilliputhur by Periyalvar, a devotee of Vishnu. She grew up loving Vishnu, wrote the Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi, and is said to have joined the god at Srirangam.
In goddess temples, the day is linked with Shakti. The goddess is offered bangles, a custom from the valaikappu baby shower, as a prayer for health and new life.
How it grew over time
8th century
Andal, one of the twelve Alvar saints, wrote her songs in praise of Vishnu.
Medieval period
Her Thiruppavai became part of daily prayers in Vishnu temples.
Later centuries
The Srivilliputhur temple's tall gopuram and car festival grew famous.
Today
Andal's temple car festival and bangle offerings draw large crowds.
How it is celebrated in different places
Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu
A huge temple car procession marks Andal's birthday.
Goddess temples in Tamil Nadu
The goddess is decorated with thousands of glass bangles, later given to women.
Tamil homes
Families sing Andal's songs and offer sweet rice to the goddess.
Aadi Pooram today
Women offer bangles to the goddess and take some home as blessings for health and new life. Temple choirs sing Andal's Thiruppavai.
At Srivilliputhur, the decorated car of Andal is pulled through the streets by devotees.
