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புரட்டாசி மாதம் (Purattasi Month) – Meaning, Significance, Festivals & Traditions

Transliteration: Purattasi

English Months: Mid September to Mid October

Meaning of the Name:

Purattasi is the sixth month of the Tamil calendar. The name is derived from the Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra. This month is considered sacred for Lord Vishnu devotees and is one of the most observed months in terms of religious practices.

Significance:

Purattasi is extremely significant for Vaishnavites — devotees of Lord Vishnu. Many people observe strict fasting every Saturday of this month. Visiting Vishnu temples especially on Saturdays during Purattasi is considered highly meritorious. The month is associated with spiritual discipline and devotion.

Key Festivals and Events:

Purattasi Saturdays
Every Saturday of Purattasi is considered sacred for Lord Vishnu worship. Massive crowds gather at Vishnu temples across Tamil Nadu. Many devotees fast the entire day and break their fast only after temple prayers in the evening.

Navarathri
The nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati falls during Purattasi or early Aippasi. Golu — the arrangement of dolls and figurines — is a signature tradition of Tamil homes during Navarathri.

Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja
On the ninth day of Navarathri, books, tools, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped. Schools and businesses conduct Ayudha Puja seeking blessings for their tools and livelihood.

Vijayadasami
The tenth day after Navarathri. Considered the most auspicious day to begin new learning. Children are formally introduced to education on this day in a ceremony called Vidyarambham.

Agricultural Significance:
Purattasi marks the beginning of the northeast monsoon preparation in Tamil Nadu. Farmers begin harvesting early kharif crops while also preparing fields for the rabi season.

Traditional Practices:

  • Fasting on all Saturdays of Purattasi is widely observed
  • Golu arrangements in homes during Navarathri
  • Exchanging Navarathri invitations and visiting neighbors' Golu displays
  • Preparing sundal — boiled legumes — as prasadam during Navarathri

Rasi Connection:

Sun moves through Kanni Rasi (Virgo) during Purattasi month.

Popular Saying:

புரட்டாசி சனிக்கிழமை புண்ணியம் தரும் — Saturday in Purattasi grants spiritual merit.

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