Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. Falling on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), this festival holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the celestial marriages of several Hindu deities. It is an occasion of devotion, community bonding, and vibrant rituals, making it one of the most cherished celebrations in Tamil Nadu's religious calendar.

Date of Panguni Uthiram 2025

Panguni Uthiram will be celebrated on Friday, April 11, 2025. The full moon and the Uthiram nakshatra (star) make this day spiritually significant, and temples across Tamil Nadu and South India will hold special rituals and processions.

About Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram derives its name from the Tamil month of Panguni and the star Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni), which coincides with the full moon day. This celestial alignment is believed to amplify the spiritual vibrations of the day, making it ideal for divine unions.

The festival is celebrated with grandeur in temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. It is considered the most auspicious day for marriages, not only of deities but also for humans, as it is believed that celestial blessings are abundant during this period.

Significance of Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram celebrates the divine unions of several Hindu gods and goddesses, emphasizing the importance of love, devotion, and harmony. Some of the sacred events associated with this day include:

• Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati: The festival marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of power and love.
• Marriage of Lord Murugan and Deivanai: At temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, Panguni Uthiram celebrates his marriage to Deivanai, his celestial consort.
• Marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi: Vaishnavite temples commemorate the union of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lord Ayyappa’s Birth: The day also signifies the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in their form as Hariharan, which gave birth to Lord Ayyappa.

This sacred day underscores the divine balance of energies and is a reminder of the importance of love and togetherness in human life.

How Panguni Uthiram is Celebrated

Panguni Uthiram is marked by grand festivities, elaborate rituals, and a deep sense of devotion. Here’s how the festival is celebrated:

1. Special Poojas and Abhishekams
Temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu conduct special poojas and abhishekams (ceremonial baths) for the deities. The idols are adorned with flowers and jewelry, creating a divine and festive ambiance.

2. Kalyanotsavam (Celestial Wedding Ceremonies)
The highlight of Panguni Uthiram is the reenactment of the celestial weddings of deities. At major temples, grand wedding ceremonies are performed with rituals, music, and devotion. Devotees flock to witness these sacred unions and seek blessings for marital harmony and family prosperity.

3. Kavadi Attam (Ritual Dance)
Devotees of Lord Murugan perform the Kavadi Attam, a ritual dance carrying beautifully decorated kavadis (wooden structures) on their shoulders. This act of devotion and penance is often accompanied by traditional music and chants.

4. Processions
The idols of the deities are taken out in elaborately decorated chariots and palanquins for processions around the temple premises. These processions are accompanied by drum beats, nadaswaram music, and crowds of devotees chanting hymns.

5. Annadhanam (Community Feasts)
As part of the celebrations, temples and devotees organize annadhanam (community feasts) where food is distributed to all attendees, fostering a spirit of unity and service.