Puratassi
Fasting, or Puratasi Vratam, is observed in the Tamil month of Puratasi
(September – October). In 2011, Puratassi month begins on September 18 and ends
on October 17. Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it is
believed that Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) appeared on the earth in this month.
Puratassi Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani or Sani dev. Some people
observe partial fasting on all days in Puratassi others limit it to Puratasi
Saturdays.
Some
devotees of Lord Venkateswara opt for strict fast on Puratasi Saturdays which
involves not even drinking a drop of watr - Nirjala Vratam.
Some
devotees only eat vegetarian food during the entire month. They also quit
smoking and consuming alcohol for one month.
On
Saturdays, Naamum, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the
forehead by males and women opt for a red dot.
Hymns
dedicated to Lord Balaji are chanted on Saturdays.
Devotees
offer Ghee or Ellu Lamp to Lord Shani in the month. Navagrahas are also
worshipped in the month. The popular belief is that Lord Shani loses his powers
in the month and therefore he can be easily pleased.