Aadi Masam (mid‑July to mid‑August) marks the sacred Dakshināyana period, symbolizing the “night of the devas,” when the Sun moves southward—traditionally not ideal for starting new ventures, but perfect for soulful worship.

In Tamil Nadu, this month is vibrantly alive with Amman (Goddess) worship. Temples dedicated to forms like Mariamman, Kaliamman, Kamakshi, and Varalakshmi burst with poojas, processions, and rituals every Aadi Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The onset of the monsoon replenishes rivers like the Cauvery, celebrated during Aadi Perukku on the 18th day—a floral-water festival where devotees come together on riverbanks with offerings and prayers.

While Aadi is considered unsuitable for major life events like weddings or business launches, it is instead embraced as a time for spiritual renewal and community unity—where traditions like kolam drawings, ancestral rites on Aadi Amavasai, and temple food distributions bind society together.

Key Aspects of Aadi Masam:

• Spiritual Significance: Aadi is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is considered a powerful time for prayers and spiritual practices.
• Ancestral Veneration: Aadi Amavasya is dedicated to honoring ancestors and performing rituals for their well-being.
• Agricultural Practices: Aadi marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle, with farmers often sowing seeds and preparing the land.
• Community Celebrations: Numerous festivals and rituals are celebrated, emphasizing unity and devotion.
• Rituals and Practices: Special abhishekams (ritual bathings), prayers, fasting, and offerings to deities and ancestors are common.
• Historical Context: Aadi was traditionally a time of intense farming activity, linked to hopes for good harvest and prosperity.

In Aadi Masam, newly married couples in some communities are traditionally advised to separate temporarily, with the wife returning to her maternal home. The reason stems from concerns about pregnancies leading to summer births—difficult times in the pre-modern healthcare era. This practice, although still followed by some, is fading in relevance today.

Our ancestors had their practical and spiritual logic. In modern times, while some move away from tradition, others still find strength in spiritual paths. Whatever path you choose, remember:

Stay Good, Do Good. That is the principle every religion emphasizes.

Happy reading,

Regards,
Amirtha Prasanna, C-404

What are vocal cords?

Actually, they’re properly called vocal folds, not “chords” — but many people say “vocal cords.”

Your vocal folds are two bands of smooth muscle tissue inside your larynx (voice box) in your throat. Vocal cords = two vibrating folds of muscle that create your voice. They’re located in your throat, at the top of your windpipe (trachea). They sit across from each other, horizontally, like tiny curtains. When you breathe normally, they stay apart, letting air pass in and out of your lungs.

When you talk, sing, hum, or make sound: They come together (adduct), air from your lungs pushes through them. They vibrate — hundreds of times per second! That vibration produces sound waves, which your mouth, tongue, and lips shape into speech or song. The process is called phonation.

Taking good care of your voice goes without saying. Have you ever thought, if you are abusing your vocal cords? I am sure most of us would not even have heard of the term ‘Vocal cord Abuse’. Just like physical abuse, verbal abuse, there is something called voice abuse too. Our body has many fragile parts that do great things. One such part is our Vocal fold that needs your love and care too. I am listing out a few common signs of vocal fold abuse for you to check. Here we go:

1. Hoarseness or Raspy Voice: Your voice sounds rough, breathy, or strained — especially after talking or singing.
2. Vocal Fatigue: Your throat gets tired or your voice wears out quickly, even with normal use.
3. Loss of Vocal Range: Especially noticeable for singers: high notes become harder to hit or sound weak.
4. Chronic Throat Clearing or Coughing: Frequent clearing irritates the folds and could be a sign of underlying strain or reflux.
5. Pain or Tightness in the Throat: Discomfort while speaking or singing is a red flag.
6. Voice Cracks or Breaks Often: If your voice gives out mid-word or mid-note, your folds might not be functioning properly.
7. Persistent Lump-in-Throat Sensation: Known as "globus sensation," often related to muscle tension or reflux affecting the folds.
8. Need to Push or Force Voice Out: Using excess breath pressure or muscle tension to speak = trouble brewing.

How to Check Your Voice Health

• Do a “hum test” in the morning: Is your voice clear and easy, or raspy and weak?
• Sustain a vowel sound (like “ah”): Does it sound steady, or shaky and breathy?
• Record yourself over time: Notice changes in tone, quality, or range.
• Monitor how long your voice lasts: Fatigue after a short period is a warning sign.

How to Take Care of Your Vocal Folds

• Stay Hydrated: Keep sipping water
• Use proper breath support: Breath from your stomach and not from your lungs.
• Warm Up and Cool Down Your Voice: Gentle lip trills, humming, or sirens help prepare the folds.
• Give Your Voice a Break: Don’t talk continuously. Take breaks in between.
• Avoid Harmful Vocal Habits: No shouting, yelling, screaming, or talking over noise. Avoid frequent throat clearing—swallow or sip water instead. Whispering may seem gentle, but it can strain your folds. Use a soft voice instead.
• Watch What You Eat and Drink: We become what we eat. So make healthy choices.
• Prioritize Overall Health: Get enough sleep—fatigue shows up in your voice. Manage allergies and nasal congestion (mouth breathing dries vocal folds). Exercise and good posture improve breath control and lung capacity.
• Use a Microphone When Needed: If you’re speaking to a group or in noisy environments, don’t strain your voice—use amplification.
• Get Professional Guidance: See a speech-language pathologist or vocal coach for technique help. Visit an ENT specialist (ideally with laryngology or voice experience) if your voice is hoarse, fatigued, or changing for more than 2 weeks.

I have pretty much covered everything to help you save your voice. Take care of your vocal folds.

Happy reading!

Regards,
Amirtha Prasanna, C-404