Aani Uthiram
Aani Uthiram is an auspicious day in the Tamil Month of Aani and is dedicated to Lord Nataraja and the festival is celebrated as Aani Thirumanjanam and is observed on the Uthiram Nakshatra.It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Shiva appeared before Sage Manikkavachakar,the author of Thiruvachakam, under a Kurundai tree and offered upadesha. Thirumanjanam means ‘holy bath’. On this day an Abhishekam is performed in all Nataraja temples. The Abhishekam of the idol performed during the twilight period (Pradosham) on the day is considered highly auspicious.Special rituals and processions are held on the day at Nataraja temples. 2016 Date : 10th July.