Karadaiya Noambu fast, is observed in the Tamilzh Brahmin community , of Tamilnadu and in many parts of Kerala , Karnataka and Andhra . It generally observed for the well being of the husband and family . It is believed that Savitri observed this fast , prayed fervently to Goddess Gowri , to get back her husband Satyavaan , from Lord Yama ‘ s clutches . The fast gave her strength and courage . to get back her husband from the death door . She argued for a boon of thousand sons from Lord Yama and then asked him to set her husband free, to fulfil her wishes . In many parts of North India , Karva Chauth , is observed for the longevity of one’ s husband . Young girls perform this Pooja to get ideal life partners. Similarly , In South , this fast is observed in the month of Maasi ( February – March ) near the beginning of month of Panguni.
Mostly young girls and married women perform Pooja to the Goddess. On the day of the Pooja , a lovely kolam is drawn in the Pooja room. If the Noambu timings ,fall in the morning, only coffee is taken till the pooja is performed . If the auspicious time is in the late afternoon or evening , a light tiffin or snack can be eaten, in the morning ( like Aval Upma or Chapathi ) . If it falls in the night or mid night ,evening meals can be avoided . After taking bath and wearing new or freshly washed clothes , neivedyam is offered . A yellow thread is tied around the necks by the lady of the house and girl child or women . Usually a small flower is tied in the centre of the thread and then tied to the neck .Its tied at an auspicious time , when the new month starts ( ie Panguni ) and Maasi month ends . The elderly person in the house bless the women and then the fast is broken .
Usually a Neivedyam of Salt Adai and Sweet Adai is prepared , which is made of rice flour , cowpeas and jaggery . The steamed Neivedyam is offered to the Goddess on a banana leaf .
The circular salt adai along with a sweet jaggery brick shaped adai is kept along with butter . After offering Neivedyam and tying of thread ( saradu ) in the neck , the Neivedyam is offered to husband . The fast is broken by the lady of the house , by eating the Adais with butter .
Items required for Karadaiya Noambu
Betel leaves ,nuts , plantain fruits , sandal paste , kumkum, turmeric powder , flowers , yellow thread ( saradu ) .
Slokam to chant while offering the Neivedyam
உருகாத வெண்ணெயும் ,ஓர் அடையும் நோற்று உனக்கு நான் வைத்தேன் , எந்நாளும் என் கணவர் எனை விட்டு பிரியாதிருக்க வேண்டும் “ என்று அம்மனை நோக்கி வேண்டி நமஸ்கரிக்கவும்.
On the day after the Noambu , the adais can be given to the cows in the neighbourhood . If by any reason , one is unable to perform the Noambu at one’s place , you could ask ones neighbor or relative who is observing this fast , to place in her Pooja room. After the Pooja gets over , one could tie the thread .
The Yellow thread symbolises ,Savitri’s love , courage and mental strength .