Thaipoosam and Akshaya Tritiya
Thaipoosam
In the Tamil month of Thai (January/February), on the day with Poosom (Pushyam) star, Thaipusam festival takes place to commemorate the occasion when according to the Puranas, Parvati gave to Subrahmanya, the "Vel" (spear) to vanquish the demon, Soorapadman. The spear symbolises Gnanam (Knowledge of Self) and the demon symbolizes the ignorance of one's own Self.
In the Tamil month of Thai (January/February), on the day with Poosom (Pushyam) star, Thaipusam festival takes place to commemorate the occasion when according to the Puranas, Parvati gave to Subrahmanya, the "Vel" (spear) to vanquish the demon, Soorapadman. The spear symbolises Gnanam (Knowledge of Self) and the demon symbolizes the ignorance of one's own Self.
As this festival is associated with Lord Subrahmanya, it is also considered to be a special day for siddhas. The festival is often celebrated by offering annadana on a large scale. On this day, at Sri Gnanananda Niketan, annadana is offered to children and people of nearby villages.
Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day on which many good things have occurred, according to our Puranas. "Akshaya" means "never diminishing". On this day, special importance is given to dana or gifting away without expecting any return or recognition. This is a virtue to be cultivated, replacing the normal habit of hoarding. Of all danas, annadana or gifting of food is considered to be the best.
Annadana is performed at Sri Gnanananda Niketan to around 300 people from surrounding villages including school children.