Pithra Paksh commences on September 7 and is observed by Hindi speaking North Indians. Homage is paid to the souls of ancestors and departed ones for a period of 15 days. Donations of uncooked food grains and items of clothing are made during this time to one’s ancestors and departed ones to gratify their souls.

Shradda is the ritual of offering food that is specially prepared in memory of one’s ancestors.

Devotees observing Pithra Paksh eat only vegetarian foods and abstain from all pleasurable activity. It is believed that it is during this 15-day period that one’s ancestors and departed ones come down to earth to bless their kin. Tarpan and Shraddha are performed in order to please them. Performing these rituals is also important because it helps the souls of the departed to reach moksha or freedom. Tarpan is the ritual of offering water with sesame seeds to the souls of the departed. After taking a bath, a ring made of kush grass is worn, and the water, together with sesame seeds and sometimes flower petals, are offered with both hands to the ancestors. The kush grass is symbolic of benevolence and is used to invoke the ancestors. Shradda is the ritual of offering food that is specially prepared in memory of one’s ancestors. The food is placed outside and a crow, which is considered the messenger of Yama, eating the food, is considered an auspicious sign.
Following the last day of Pithra Paksh, North Indians commence the 10-day long fast for Navarathri. During these 10 days, homage is paid to the Mother Goddess in her forms as Durga, Laxmi and Saraswathi.
Purtassi
Purtassi commences on September 7 and is observed by Tamil and Telegu speaking South Indians.Homage is paid to Lord Vishnu (the preserver) who is invoked as Perumal, Govinda, Venketeswara, Narayana, Srinivasa, and Balaji etc. It is believed that during Purtassi, He comes to earth to guide people out of their misery.
Devotees observing Purtassi, perform a month long fast beginning on September 17 and ending on October 17. During this time, devotees eat only vegetarian foods and abstain from all pleasurable activity.

The prayer begins outside the house/temple, first to the sun then to Lord Ganesha to remove all obstacles and then to Lord Perumal

Although devotees observe an entire month of fasting, prayers are performed each Saturday during that month. The reason prayers are performed on the Saturday’s during Purtassi, is that Saturday is believed to be free from the influence of planet Saturn. On the Saturday, devotees observe a dry/saltless fast (if manageable). Prayers are observed in the afternoon so that the fast can be broken at sundown. Lots of preparation goes into the prayer. A drawing of the namam is placed on the forehead. The prayer begins outside the house/temple, first to the sun then to Lord Ganesha to remove all obstacles and then to Lord Perumal. Camphor is lit as devotees enter the house/temple, while shouting “Goinda Govinda”. This is done to lead Lord Venketeswara into our home and into our life to brighten it and remove all impurities. Inside the house, various dishes are prepared which include Maviluku a (lamp made with rice flour), vades, golgoolas, sweet rice, chick peas, sweet meats etc. These items are offered whole heartedly to Shri Venketeswara. Hymns are sung during the prayer. It is believed that those who worship Shri Venketeswara will be freed from their sins and blessed with an abundance of happiness, joy and spiritual wealth.
The Dundee Hindu Temple wishes all Hindus, North and South Indian, a blessed and fruitful fasting period.