Agni Natchathiram 2025: The sweltering May heat in Tamil Nadu, southern India, heralds the coming of Agni Natchathiram, a sacred celebration for Lord Murugan, one of the most revered deities in the region.

The Sun is transiting the star Krittika at this time. Worshippers take pleasure in praying to Lord Murugan and doing rituals to appease him, even in the face of unfavorable weather. Devotees have a particular place in their hearts for Agni Natchathiram, who personifies the strength of cultural traditions and the enduring connection between people’s spiritual and material lives.

Agni Natchathiram is slated to start on May 4, 2025, and run through May 28, 2025. Despite the religious fervor of the celebration, many people believe that the timing is unfavorable because of the intense heat. According to customary beliefs, it is prohibited to carry out important activities, conduct business, or travel great distances during Agni Natchathiram. In order to avoid bad luck during Agni Natchathiram, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts below:

Why is there no auspicious work done on Agni Natchathiram?
The Krittika star, whose planet is the Sun and whose deity is Agni, is closely related to Agni Natchathiram. This is a period of intense heat when the Sun moves from the fourth quarter of Bharani to the first quarter of Rohini. Mars, another hot planet, rules the fire sign of Aries, where this shift takes place. This phase is ruled by the Sun and Mars, therefore the days are harsh and fiery and the temperature rises sharply. Daily life and health are impacted by the fire-planetary factors that intensify the heat. In astrology, Agni Natchathiram is regarded as a dosham period because of this severe weather. According to them, one should avoid significant or favorable tasks. Instead of being a time for celebration or trying something new, Agni Natchathiram becomes a time for prudence, renewal, and religious observance due to the intense heat and its effects on the body and surroundings.

Things to Remember During Kathiri Veyil for Agni Natchathiram 2025
In Agni Natchathiram, devotees may chant the Surya Gayatri mantra twenty-one times a day and create holy kolams (rice flour patterns) on the prayer area to stay healthy. These maintain mental and physical well-being. Avoid long-distance travel at this time since the heat causes fatigue and dehydration. To maintain their composure and relaxation, devotees need to carefully organize their days.

Observe the shastras by abstaining from certain activities throughout this hot season. Hair cutting, ear piercing, housewarmings, land pujas, and well excavation are all prohibited. Steer clear of starting agricultural tasks like stripping fiber or sowing seedlings. Avoid building ponds, pruning plants, and rebuilding the home. During Agni Natchathiram, all of these actions are said to bring misfortune or health issues.

Additionally, auspicious events like thread ceremonies, groom-seeing rituals, baby showers, marriages, and engagements should be avoided. Traditionally, during the month of Aadi, newlyweds live apart. In order to avoid becoming pregnant during Aadi, when the heat is at its highest, the bride returns to her parents’ home. This procedure is a culturally based health strategy that protects moms from heat-related medical problems during delivery.