Adi Pirappu

Adi is the 4th month in the Tamil calendar. Adi Pirappu or the Birth of Adi, is the first day of the month of Adi. The Tamil year is divided in to two – the Warm period and the Cool period. Adi is the first month of the Cool period. It is during this month that the monsoon rains arrive and cool down the Jaffna Peninsula. Thus, the month of Adi has special regard in the agrarian society of Jaffna because it signifies the beginning of the much needed monsoon rains. Historically, the rains that are brought by Adi would determine the survival or prosperity of the families and thus society at large. Religiously during this month it is believed that Lord Shiva has lesser power than his wife, Goddess Shakti. So this entire month becomes a month of celebration for the female Goddess Shakti. On Adi Pirappu day, 2 special food items, Adi Khool and Kollukattai are made in all homes. Adi khool is a sweet porridge and Kollukatai is a sweet dumpling.