• Marital Bliss: The observance of Thiruvathira is believed to strengthen the bond between husband and wife, fostering love, understanding, and harmony in married life.

• Longevity of Husband: Women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands, and it is believed that these prayers, along with fasting and rituals, can prolong the life of their spouse.

• Overall Well-being: The rituals and fasting associated with Thiruvathira are said to purify the body and mind, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of those who observe them.

• Spiritual Growth: The puja and associated meditative practices help in spiritual growth, bringing one closer to the divine and fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment.

• Cultural Identity: Participating in Thiruvathira reinforces cultural identity and ensures the continuation of traditional practices that are integral to the community's heritage.

Thiruvathira is not just a religious observance but also a celebration of love, tradition, and the enduring power of devotion, making it a cherished festival in Kerala's cultural calendar.

Thiruvathira, a traditional festival observed in Kerala, celebrates the birth of Lord Shiva and is especially significant for women. The festival is typically marked by fasting, prayer, and the performance of a special dance called Thiruvathirakali. Below is a step-by-step procedure to perform Thiruvathira:

1. Preparation for Thiruvathira:

• Date: Thiruvathira is celebrated on the Thiruvathira Nakshatra (star) day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).
• Cleaning: The house is cleaned thoroughly, and a sacred space is prepared for the pooja.
• Items Needed:
  • Oil and ingredients for oil bath (usually a mix of herbal ingredients like turmeric, hibiscus, etc.).
  • Fresh clothes, usually traditional attire (Mundu, Saree).
  • Flowers, especially the 'Thumba' flowers.
  • Traditional lamps (Nilavilakku or Vilakku).
  • Nivedyam (offering) like ‘Koova Vilakku’ (made of arrowroot), jaggery, fruits, betel leaves, areca nuts, etc.

2. Early Morning Rituals:

• Oil Bath: Women wake up early before dawn (around 4 AM) and take an oil bath. The oil is typically prepared with herbal ingredients and is applied to the body and hair.
• Attire: After the bath, women wear fresh traditional clothes, usually a white saree with a red or golden border.

3. Pooja (Prayer) Preparation:

• Pooja Space: Prepare the pooja space with a clean mat or cloth. Place the lamp, flowers, and offerings in front of an idol or picture of Lord Shiva.
• Lighting the Lamp: Light the Nilavilakku or traditional lamp.
• Pooja: Offer flowers, fruits, and other items to Lord Shiva while chanting mantras or reciting prayers. The ‘Thumba’ flowers are particularly significant as they are believed to be favored by Lord Shiva.

4. Fasting:

• Vratham: Women observe a partial fast, usually refraining from rice-based meals. They consume fruits, a special dish called 'Puzhukku' (boiled vegetables), and a sweet made of arrowroot powder called 'Koova Vilakku'.
• Abstinence: Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other prohibited items during the day.

5. Thiruvathirakali (Dance Performance):

• Group Formation: Women gather in groups, usually in the courtyard or an open space, forming a circle.
• Dance: The dance is performed in a circular motion, with rhythmic steps and clapping of hands. The steps are synchronized with the beats of a traditional song known as Thiruvathira Pattu.
• Significance: The dance symbolizes the eternal dance of cosmic creation and destruction, which is associated with Lord Shiva.

6. Evening Pooja:

• Repeat Pooja: In the evening, another round of pooja is performed with similar offerings.
• Reading Scriptures: Some women recite stories or hymns from religious texts that praise Lord Shiva.

7. Breaking the Fast:

• End of Fasting: After the evening pooja, women break their fast with a meal that includes the special dishes prepared for Thiruvathira.
• Koova Vilakku: The sweet dish made of arrowroot is offered to the deity and then consumed.

8. Conclusion:

• Gratitude: Thank the deity for blessings and protection.
• Distributing Prasadam: Share the prasadam (offering) with family members and guests.
• Social Gatherings: Sometimes, there are social gatherings where women engage in traditional games or discuss the significance of the festival.

9. Next Day:

• Post-Festival Rituals: The next day, some women visit temples or distribute food and gifts to the needy as a part of charity.

This is a basic outline of the Thiruvathira festival, and specific rituals may vary depending on regional practices and family traditions. The essence of the festival lies in devotion to Lord Shiva, communal harmony, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

• Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali
• Shiva Sahasranama Stotram