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4 August 2026

Cultural significance of Aadi Perukku

Aadi Perukku serves as a relevant cultural example for illustrating the diversity of Indian society and traditional water-worship practices, though it is unlikely to be the subject of a direct UPSC question.

1 min read 1 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Aadi Perukku is a traditional festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi.
  • The festival is primarily observed along the banks of the Cauvery, Tamirabharani, and Thenpennai rivers.
  • The term 'Perukku' in Tamil signifies abundance or the swelling of rivers.
  • The Cauvery river is historically referred to as 'Dakshina Ganga' and is revered as an aspect of Goddess Parvati.
  • Historical records link the celebration to the era of the Chola ruler Karikalan.
  • The number 18 holds spiritual significance in Hindu tradition, associated with the 18-day duration of the Mahabharata war and the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Mythological narratives associate the Cauvery river with the purification of sins, including references to Rama and the Pandavas bathing in its waters.

Questions

  1. Examine the cultural and spiritual significance of river worship in Indian tradition, with specific reference to festivals like Aadi Perukku. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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Prelims

  1. Aadi Perukku is a festival traditionally celebrated in which Tamil month?

  2. Which river is historically referred to as 'Dakshina Ganga' in the context of South Indian cultural traditions?

Syllabus

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Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-04/cultural-significance-of-aadi-perukku