6th

Purattasi

Tamil

Kanni (♍)

Major Festivals

Purattasi Pournami

Sep 29–Oct 7

Full moon day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. All-night vigils (Jagaran) and temple festivities are common.

Mahalaya Amavasai

Mid Sep

New moon day marking the onset of Durga Puja season in North India and ancestor rituals in the South.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Purattasi Pournami — extremely auspicious for prayers to Vishnu (Krishna, Ram)

✓ Fridays — ruled by Venus, favorable for romance and marriages

✓ Purattasi Amavasai — important for ancestral ceremonies and spiritual introspection

About Purattasi

Purattasi is the holiest month for Vishnu devotees, marked by special pujas, and many undertake month-long fasts and rituals. The Sun moves through Virgo (Kanni), an earth sign representing purity, service, and discrimination. This month inaugurates the festive season (leading into Dussehra and Diwali). Purattasi Pournami sees all-night vigils at Vishnu temples with singing and prayers. The month emphasizes dharma (duty) and cleansing—both physical and spiritual. For devotional Indian expats, Purattasi is a month of intense spiritual reconnection, with many observing fruit fasts and daily temple visits, coordinating pilgrimage plans to South Indian temples like Tirupati during Purattasi IST-aware booking systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Purattasi sacred to Vishnu devotees?

Purattasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his avatars (Krishna, Rama, etc.). Devotees believe that worship during this month is especially meritorious. Many undertake month-long fasts eating only fruits and milk, or observe specific dietary restrictions. Special pujas called Purattasi Vratam (fasting ritual) are performed. The month culminates in Purattasi Pournami with grand temple celebrations and all-night vigils.

What is Mahalaya Amavasai?

Mahalaya Amavasai (the new moon in Purattasi) marks the beginning of Devi Paksha (the fortnight favoring the goddess) in the Hindu calendar. In the south, it is a significant day for Tarpan (ancestor worship). In the north, it marks the start of Durga Puja ten-day festivals. The day is considered inauspicious for new beginnings but highly auspicious for introspection and spiritual practices.

How long is Purattasi Vratam (fast)?

Purattasi Vratam typically lasts the entire month, though some devotees fast on Purattasi Mondays (Tuesdays) or full moons only. Common practices include eating only fruits and milk, avoiding grains and vegetables, and increased temple visits and prayers. Many women observe this fast for family health and prosperity. The fast culminates in a feast after Purattasi Pournami pujas.

View Purattasi in Other Languages

Telugu Hindi Kannada Gujarati Rajasthani