Panguni Uthiram Festival Celebration in 2025

Panguni Uthiram is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Tamil month of Panguni, which corresponds to March or April. In 2025, it will be observed on Friday, April 11st . This sacred occasion is dedicated to Bhagwan Murugan (also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya), the divine warrior and son of Bhagwan Shiva, who, according to legend, wedded Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the King of Gods, on this day.
The festival is also associated with the celestial marriages of Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Bhagwan Rama and Goddess Sita, and Bhagwan Ranganatha (Vishnu) and Andal, making it an immensely significant occasion for devotees seeking divine grace and marital harmony.
Grand celebrations take place in Murugan temples, particularly in Palani, Thiruchendur, and Thirupparankundram, where devotees undertake Kavadi Aattam (a ritual of penance and devotion), perform abhishekam (sacred bathing of the deity), and participate in processions.
Many observe fasting, special prayers, and vows, believing that this day removes obstacles and grants blessings for a harmonious life. Panguni Uthiram symbolizes bhakti (devotion), shakti (spiritual power), and dharma (righteousness), reaffirming the divine connection between the devotees and their revered deities.

Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi

Panguni Uthiram will be observed on Friday, April 11th, 2025.

Key Timings for Panguni Uthiram 2025:

• Panguni Uthiram Purnima Tithi begins: 09:55 AM on April 10th (IST)
• Panguni Uthiram Purnima Tithi ends: 11:20 AM on April 11th (IST)
• Murugan Kalyanam Muhurat: 07:10 PM to 09:30 PM (IST)
  Duration: 2 Hours 20 Minutes

Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.

Significance & Importance of Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram holds profound religious, social, and cultural significance, making it one of the most revered festivals in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Tamil month of Panguni, which falls in March or April, this festival is particularly sacred for devotees of Bhagwan Muruga (Kartikeya/Subramanya). According to Hindu mythology, this day marks the celestial wedding of Bhagwan Muruga and Devasena (Deivayanai), the daughter of Bhagwan Indra, signifying divine harmony and marital bliss. It is also believed that Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Bhagwan Rama and Goddess Sita, and Bhagwan Ranganatha (Vishnu) and Goddess Andal solemnized their divine unions on this day, further enhancing its spiritual significance. Devotees across India observe the occasion by performing fasts, special poojas, and temple rituals, seeking blessings for prosperity, harmony, and marital fulfillment.
The festival is a vibrant social event where families and communities come together, exchanging gifts and sweets, participating in processions, cultural events, traditional music, and dance performances. In Murugan temples, particularly in Thiruchendur, Palani, Thirupparankundram, and Solaimalai in Madurai, grand celebrations take place. Devotees undertake rigorous spiritual practices such as shaving their heads, carrying the Kavadi (a symbolic act of devotion and penance), and even piercing their bodies with needles (Alaku) as a mark of their faith.
At the Thiruvanaikaval Temple in Trichy and Tuticorin’s Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, the festival is observed with great devotion, where the deities Bhagwan Murugan and Goddess Devasena are carried in an opulent golden palanquin amidst grand processions. Despite its divine auspiciousness, social activities such as weddings, property purchases, or housewarming ceremonies are avoided during this time, as the month is dedicated solely to spiritual pursuits.
The festival encapsulates bhakti (devotion), shakti (spiritual energy), and dharma (righteousness), creating a deeply sacred and joyous atmosphere that reaffirms the eternal connection between the divine and devotees.

Story of Panguni Uthiram Festival

According to Hindu scriptures, Panguni Uthiram is the day of divine unions, when several celestial weddings occurred, each carrying deep spiritual significance. The most prominent among these is the wedding of Bhagwan Muruga (Kartikeya) and Devasena (Deivayanai), the daughter of Indra, the King of Gods.
Bhagwan Muruga, the son of Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was born to vanquish the demon Surapadman, who had become a menace to the three worlds. After his victory, Indra, in gratitude, offered his daughter Devasena’s hand in marriage, which took place on this auspicious full moon day. Their union is celebrated as a symbol of divine love, righteousness, and the cosmic order.
Beyond Muruga’s marriage, several other significant celestial weddings are also believed to have taken place on Panguni Uthiram. It is said that on this very day:

• Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati solemnized their divine union, embodying the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies (Shiva-Shakti).
• Bhagwan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi entered into their eternal bond, symbolizing prosperity, devotion, and divine grace.
• Bhagwan Rama and Goddess Sita observed this day as their wedding anniversary, representing dharma (righteousness) and marital virtue.
• Bhagwan Ranganatha (Vishnu) and Goddess Andal , the great devotee and poet-saint, were united, fulfilling her lifelong devotion to the Bhagwan.

Unmarried men and women across India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, observe Panguni Uthiram fasting to seek the blessings of divine marriage and find their ideal life partners.
Married couples also perform special pujas on this day, praying for harmony, fertility, and marital bliss, believing that the divine energies present on this day bestow long-lasting happiness and progeny.
Panguni Uthiram is more than just a religious festival; it is a reminder of the sanctity of marriage, divine love, and the cosmic balance that these sacred unions represent. The day is marked by grand processions, temple rituals, and joyous celebrations across Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, especially in Palani, Thiruchendur, and Madurai.
Devotees undertake spiritual disciplines, offer special prayers, and engage in penance, believing that the blessings received on this day lead to happiness, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
With its profound mythological roots and cultural vibrance, Panguni Uthiram continues to be a day of divine grace, uniting devotees with the eternal energy of the cosmos and strengthening their spiritual bonds with the revered deities.

How to celebrate Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is an emotion, a spiritual awakening, and a deeply personal experience that connects devotees to the divine.
Celebrated with immense devotion across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, this sacred occasion marks the celestial wedding of Bhagwan Muruga and Devasena, along with other divine unions like Shiva-Parvati, Rama-Sita, and Vishnu-Andal. But beyond these celestial marriages, Panguni Uthiram speaks to every individual longing for love, harmony, and divine grace in their own lives.
The day begins with a holy bath in sacred rivers or temple tanks, a symbolic act of cleansing not just the body but also the soul, washing away negativity and preparing oneself for a day of divine connection.
As the sun rises, temples dedicated to Bhagwan Muruga—Palani, Thiruchendur, Thirupparankundram, and Madurai—come alive with grand rituals. Devotees gather in thousands, witnessing the magnificent abhishekam, where the deity is bathed in milk, honey, turmeric, and sandalwood, each ingredient representing purity, devotion, and divine blessings.
The celestial kalyanam (divine wedding) of Bhagwan Muruga and Devasena is the most anticipated event, where the deities are adorned in dazzling ornaments, seated on a golden palanquin, and carried through the temple streets amidst chants, bhajans, and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. The air is electric, filled with faith, music, and the collective devotion of thousands seeking blessings for their own relationships, marriages, and personal journeys.
But Panguni Uthiram is not just about grand rituals—it is about personal surrender, sacrifice, and transformation. For many, this is the day to take a step closer to the divine through acts of penance and devotion. Kavadi Aattam, one of the most intense forms of offering, is undertaken by thousands who carry colorfully decorated kavadis on their shoulders, walking barefoot in the scorching heat as an act of gratitude and faith.
Others express their devotion through head tonsuring, Alaku (body piercing with needles and spears), or long temple pilgrimages, believing that such sacrifices purify the soul and bring them closer to Bhagwan Muruga’s divine grace. For those who may not take on such extreme vows, simply fasting, praying, and chanting Murugan’s names with sincerity can bring immense spiritual fulfillment.
For unmarried individuals, Panguni Uthiram is a day of hope and faith, as they observe Kalyana Vrata, a sacred fast praying for a loving and righteous life partner. It is believed that on this very day, even the gods performed tapas (austerities) to find their perfect consort—just as Shiva found Parvati, Vishnu united with Lakshmi, and Rama wed Sita.
Married couples too seek blessings for peace, fertility, and happiness in their relationships, strengthening their bond through special pujas and prayers. Families prepare and distribute prasadam, such as the sacred panchamritam (a holy blend of honey, banana, jaggery, ghee, and curd), and extend their joy by feeding the poor, reinforcing the values of seva (selfless service) and community harmony.
Panguni Uthiram is a celebration of love, devotion, and the human longing for divine connection. As temple bells echo and thousands chant Bhagwan Muruga’s name, there is a profound sense of belonging, gratitude, and emotional release that leaves one feeling spiritually fulfilled.
Whether you are in a bustling temple surrounded by thousands or praying quietly in the solitude of your home, this festival is a reminder that faith has the power to heal, love has the power to transform, and devotion has the power to bring us closer to our highest self.

Panguni Uthiram Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)

Panguni Uthiram is a deeply sacred festival dedicated to Bhagwan Muruga (Kartikeya/Subramanya) and the divine celestial weddings of deities. Observing this day with devotion brings spiritual blessings, marital harmony, and divine protection.
Below is a step-by-step guide to performing the Panguni Uthiram Puja at home or in a temple.

• The puja begins with cleansing rituals. Devotees take a ritual bath in the morning and wear clean, traditional attire, preferably in yellow or red, which are considered auspicious for Murugan worship.
• The puja space is cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers such as jasmine, lotus, and red hibiscus.
• An idol or picture of Bhagwan Murugan with Devasena is placed on a clean cloth or altar. It is highly auspicious to visit a Murugan temple early in the morning to offer prayers.
• Some devotees undertake Kavadi Aattam (Kavadi procession) or temple pradakshina (circumambulation) as acts of penance and devotion.
• The main puja begins with Sankalpa, where the devotee sits in front of the altar, lights a ghee lamp and incense stick, and offers water, rice, and flowers while chanting 'Om Shri Subramanyaya Namah.'
• A sankalpa (vow) is taken, praying for peace, marriage blessings, fertility, and family prosperity.
• This is followed by Kalash Sthapana, where a kalash (copper or silver pot) filled with water, betel leaves, mango leaves, and a coconut is placed near the idol to invoke the divine presence of Bhagwan Muruga and Goddess Devasena.
• One of the most sacred rituals performed is the Abhishekam, the ritual bathing of the deity. Five sacred liquids (Panchamritam) are used, including milk for purity, honey for sweetness in life, curd for prosperity, ghee for divine blessings, and jaggery or banana mixture for good health.
• Devotees pour these offerings over Bhagwan Murugan’s idol or picture while chanting 'Om Saravanabhavaya Namah.'
• After the abhishekam, the idol is wiped clean and dressed in new yellow or red cloth as a mark of reverence.
• The puja continues with Archana, where fresh flowers such as red hibiscus, jasmine, and lotus are offered while chanting 108 names of Bhagwan Muruga (Subramanya Ashtottara Shatanamavali). Devotees also recite sacred hymns such as Kandar Sashti Kavasam or Subramanya Bhujangam, invoking Muruga’s divine protection.
• Special offerings, known as Naivedyam, are then presented to the deity, which include panchamritam, sweet pongal, coconut, fruits, and jaggery-based sweets. Betel leaves, betel nuts, and bananas are also offered as sacred symbols of devotion.
• Deepa Aradhana follows, where camphor is lit, and Aarti is performed with a brass or silver lamp. Devotees chant Murugan Aarti or sing Thiruppugazh, sacred hymns that glorify Bhagwan Muruga.
• The temple or home is filled with the sound of devotional music, creating an atmosphere of divine grace.

Unmarried men and women observe Kalyana Vrata, praying for an ideal spouse, as it is believed that even Hindu gods and goddesses performed tapas on this day to seek their perfect consort. Married couples perform special pujas, praying for fertility, marital harmony, and family well-being. Many devotees distribute prasadam, including panchamritam, and engage in acts of seva, such as feeding the poor and donating to temples.
Visiting Bhagawan Murugan temples, especially in Palani, Thiruchendur, Thirupparankundram, and Solaimalai in Madurai, is considered highly auspicious on this day. Devotees undertake Kavadi Aattam, carry Paalkudam (milk pots), and perform Anga Pradakshinam (rolling around the temple in devotion) to seek Bhagwan Muruga’s blessings.
Many also recite sacred texts such as Kandar Sashti Kavasam, Subramanya Ashtakam, and Thiruppugazh, or read the Skanda Purana, which narrates the divine glories of Bhagwan Muruga.
The puja concludes with offering dakshina (charity) to Brahmins, temples, and the needy. Prasadam and sacred water are distributed among family and devotees, followed by prayers for peace, happiness, and divine protection.
By following this sacred Puja Vidhi, devotees can invoke the immense blessings of Bhagwan Muruga, leading to a life filled with harmony, love, and spiritual fulfillment.

Panguni Uthiram Puja Mantras

Abhishekam Mantras (Sacred Bathing of the Deity)
While performing abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Bhagwan Muruga’s idol with milk, honey, ghee, curd, and water, chant these mantras:
'Om Kartikeyaaya Namah'
(ॐ कार्तिकेयाय नमः)

'Om Kumaraaya Namah'
(ॐ कुमाराय नमः)

'Om Skandaya Namah'
(ॐ स्कन्दाय नमः)

Meaning: I offer my prayers to Bhagwan Kartikeya, the eternal youth and divine warrior.

Kavadi Aattam Mantra (For Offering Kavadi & Devotional Dance)
For devotees carrying Kavadi or offering penance, chanting this mantra strengthens their resolve.
'Om Vel Vel Muruga, Om Shakti Vel Muruga!'
Meaning: O Bhagwan Muruga, wielder of the divine spear, protect and bless us!

Aarti Mantra (Deepa Aradhana)
While offering camphor and waving the aarti lamp, chant:
'Om Saravanabhava Om Saravanabhava, Haro Hara!'
Meaning: Bhagwan Muruga is the divine protector, remover of obstacles, and bestower of blessings.

Rituals of Panguni Uthiram

There are some key rituals and customs associated with Panguni Uthiram, which honors Bhagwan Murugan, the son of Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Here are the rituals that devotees observe on the day of the festival.
Visiting Bhagwan Murugan Temples: Devotees visit the temples of Bhagwan Murugan on this day and offer their prayers and seek his divine blessings. The idols of God are first cleaned and the deity is decorated with flowers and fragrances.

• Pad Yatra: Men go on Pad Yatra, or a foot pilgrimage to the temples of Bhagwan Murugan, and cover a total of 100 kilometers within a spate of three to four days. Women also travel barefoot and offer buttermilk and food to the pilgrims to signify their devotion.
• Kavadis: Devotees offer Kavadis to Bhagwan Murugan to pay homage to divinity. Kavadis are bamboo poles that they carry on their shoulders, along with other puja stuff including milk, sacred water, and flowers.
• Thirukalyanam: The ten-day celebration of Panguni also celebrates the celestial wedding of Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvati, also known as Thirukalyanam.
• Ayyappan Jayanti: Ayyappan Jayanti is celebrated in Ayyappa temples situated across Tamilnadu and Kerala.
• Kalyan Vrata: Devotees begin their fast on this auspicious day after bathing in the early morning. Either they would completely abstain from any kind of meal or they would have one meal. They also visit the nearby temples to worship the deities, Bhagwan Muruga, Bhagwan Shiva, and Bhagwan Vishnu.
• Prasadam: A special sweet dish is prepared for Bhagwan Shiva, which is distributed around Prasadam among the devotees. Devotees eat Prasadam and share it with other family members.

Panguni Uthiram Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)

Panguni Uthiram fasting is observed with deep devotion and spiritual discipline to seek blessings from Bhagwan Muruga and Goddess Devasena. It is especially significant for unmarried individuals praying for an ideal partner, married couples seeking harmony and fertility, and devotees wishing for prosperity and protection. The fast can be observed as a full-day vrat (nirjala – without water) or a partial fast (phalahar – consuming fruits and milk only).
The day begins with an early morning bath and wearing of clean, traditional clothes, preferably in red or yellow, colors associated with Bhagwan Muruga. Devotees clean the home altar or puja space, light a ghee lamp, and take a sankalpa (sacred vow) to observe the fast with sincerity, seeking divine grace.
Throughout the day, devotees refrain from consuming grains, spicy foods, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items. Those on a strict fast avoid food and water until the puja is completed in the evening. Others may consume fruits, milk, coconut water, or simple sattvic foods like soaked nuts and jaggery-based sweets.
During the fasting period, devotees visit Murugan temples or perform puja at home, chanting powerful mantras such as 'Om Saravanabhavaya Namah' and reciting Kandar Sashti Kavasam. Offerings of flowers, coconut, and panchamritam (a mixture of banana, honey, jaggery, ghee, and curd) are made to Bhagwan Muruga. Some devotees also undertake Kavadi Aattam (carrying Kavadi as penance) or temple pradakshina (circumambulating the temple barefoot).
The fast is concluded in the evening after performing aarti and offering naivedyam to the deity. Devotees break their fast with prasadam, fruits, and simple sattvic meals, avoiding tamasic foods even after the vrat. Many also donate food, clothes, or money to the needy, as charity is an important part of the observance.
Observing Panguni Uthiram Vrat with faith and devotion is believed to remove obstacles, grant marital bliss, and bestow spiritual growth, strength, and divine blessings from Bhagwan Muruga, ensuring protection and prosperity in life.

Panguni Uthiram Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)

In a small village nestled between lush green hills and sacred rivers, there lived a young woman named Satyavati, whose heart was filled with unwavering devotion to Bhagwan Muruga. Though she was kind and virtuous, fate had not yet blessed her with a husband. As years passed, she faced ridicule from society, and her family worried for her future. In despair, she journeyed to the ancient Murugan temple in Palani, where she wept before the deity, surrendering her fate to the Bhagwan.
One night, as she slept near the temple steps, Bhagwan Muruga appeared in her dream, his face glowing like the sun, his Vel (divine spear) radiating infinite power. He spoke, “On the full moon of Panguni Uthiram, observe the Kalyana Vrata with pure devotion. Fast, pray, and surrender your heart to divine love, and you shall receive my blessings.”
With newfound faith, Satyavati undertook the Kalyana Vrata, fasting all day, offering flowers and prayers, and chanting Murugan’s sacred names. As the divine wedding of Bhagwan Muruga and Devasena was celebrated in the temple, she felt a wave of spiritual energy and divine bliss wash over her. That very evening, a noble and kind-hearted prince who had come to the temple for the festival saw Satyavati and was drawn to her purity and devotion. In time, with the blessings of Bhagwan Murugan, they were married, and their life was filled with happiness, love, and prosperity.
From that day forward, it became a tradition for unmarried men and women to observe the Kalyana Vrata on Panguni Uthiram, praying for a loving and righteous partner, while married couples fasted to strengthen their bond and seek divine grace.

The Blessings of Observing Panguni Uthiram Vrat
The sages declared that whoever observes fasting and devotion on this sacred day will be blessed with:

• A righteous and loving life partner
• Harmony and happiness in marriage
• Removal of obstacles in relationships
• Protection from negative energies and ill fate
• Divine grace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment

Thus, Panguni Uthiram is a divine opportunity when the celestial doors open, allowing devotees to connect with the cosmic forces of love, devotion, and destiny. By observing the vrat with sincerity, one aligns with the divine rhythm of the universe, allowing love, peace, and prosperity to flow effortlessly into life.

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Conclusion

Panguni Uthiram is a divine confluence of faith, devotion, and celestial harmony, celebrated with unparalleled fervor and spiritual significance. It is a day when the heavens open, showering divine blessings upon all who seek love, marital bliss, and spiritual upliftment. The festival reminds us that true relationships—whether with a life partner, family, or the divine—are built upon faith, surrender, and righteousness.
From the grand temple celebrations where Bhagwan Muruga’s celestial wedding is reenacted, to the deep personal devotion expressed through fasting, kavadi offerings, and heartfelt prayers, Panguni Uthiram serves as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. It is a moment when the soul’s longing for love and fulfillment finds resonance in the sacred marriages of deities, reaffirming the timeless truth that divine love is the highest form of connection.
For unmarried men and women, the observance of Kalyana Vrata brings the hope of a righteous and loving life partner, just as the gods themselves found their destined consorts on this day. For married couples, it is an opportunity to renew their vows in the presence of the divine, seeking harmony, understanding, and fertility blessings. For all devotees, regardless of their life stage, Panguni Uthiram is a time to seek Muruga’s divine grace, to burn away karmic obstacles, and to realign with the cosmic order of dharma, love, and spiritual progress.
As the festival ends and the temple bells fall silent, the glow of the lamps and the echoes of devotional chants linger in the hearts of the devotees. But the essence of Panguni Uthiram remains far beyond the celebrations. It is a festival that reminds us that faith can move mountains, devotion can overcome destiny, and divine love is always within reach for those who surrender with sincerity. Whether in the grandeur of temple processions or in the quiet prayers of a devotee’s heart, Panguni Uthiram continues to be a beacon of divine blessings, guiding generations toward love, fulfillment, and spiritual enlightenment.