- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 03 May 2025 11:48 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Agni Natchathiram 2025: In Tamil Nadu in southern India, the hot weather of May brings with it the arrival of Agni Natchathiram, a holy festival for Lord Murugan, one of the most venerated gods in South India. This period takes place when the Sun is transiting the star Krittika. Despite the unfavourable weather, worshippers rejoice in offering prayers to Lord Murugan and undertaking rituals to please the Lord. Agni Natchathiram occupies a special place in the hearts of devotees, epitomising the power of the cultural traditions and the eternal association between the spiritual and the terrestrial existence of people.
In 2025, Agni Natchathiram is scheduled to begin on 4th May 2025 and will end on 28th May 2025. Though the festival exudes religious fervour, the time is thought to be unfavourable by many owing to the scorching heat. As per the traditional beliefs, undertaking significant events, financial dealings, or long-distance travel during these days is forbidden during Agni Natchathiram. We have curated a list of dos and don’ts that must be followed during Agni Natchathiram to escape misfortune below:
Why No Auspicious Work Is Performed During Agni Natchathiram?
Agni Natchathiram is closely associated with the Krittika star, whose god is Agni and planet is the Sun. The Sun travels from the fourth quarter of Bharani to the first quarter of Rohini during this time, producing a stretch of scorching heat. This movement occurs in Aries, a fire sign governed by Mars, another fiery planet. Since the Sun and Mars rule this phase, the temperature becomes extremely hot, and the days become tough and fiery. The fire-planetary influences combine to further fuel the heat, impacting daily living and health. Due to this harsh weather, people consider Agni Natchathiram as a dosham time in astrology. They believe one should stay away from favourable initiation or important activities. The scorching heat and its bodily and environmental impact reinforce this perception, so Agni Natchathiram becomes a period of caution, rejuvenation and religious ritual rather than celebration or undertaking anything new.
Dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan, Agni Natchathiram occurs when the Sun passes through the Krittika star. (Image Source: Canva)
Agni Natchathiram 2025: Dos And Don’ts To Follow During Kathiri Veyil
To remain healthy in Agni Natchathiram, devotees can make sacred kolams (rice flour designs) on the prayer space and recite the Surya Gayatri mantra 21 times every day. These act to keep the body and mind healthy. Prevent long-distance travelling during this phase, as hot weather leads to dehydration and weariness. Devotees must plan their days wisely to stay calm and relaxed.
Adhere to the shastras by not performing some activities in this hot season. It is forbidden to trim hair, pierce ears, perform housewarmings, carry out land pujas or dig wells. Avoid initiating agricultural activities like planting seeds or peeling fibre. Do not trim plants, construct ponds, or perform reconstruction of the house. All these activities are believed to bring bad luck or health problems during Agni Natchathiram.
Auspicious functions such as weddings, engagements, baby showers, groom-seeing ceremonies and thread ceremonies must also be avoided. Newlyweds traditionally live separately in the Aadi month. The bride goes back to her parental house not to conceive during Aadi, as it causes giving birth in Chithirai when heat is at its peak. This practice shields mothers from heat-related medical issues during childbirth, and therefore, it is a culturally based health measure.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)