Hindus to observe purtassi and pithra paksh

Purtassi
Purtassi commences on the September 17 and is observed by Tamil and Telegu speaking South Indians. Homage is paid to Lord Vishnu (the preserver) who is invoked as Perumal, Govinda, Venkateswara, 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 17th and ending on October 17. During this time, devotees: Do not eat meat in any form, eggs and fish included, no alcohol, do not go out unless it’s to family homes or to the temple, do not eat food from people who are not fasting and do not eat takeaway meals.
In preparation for the fast, homes are spring cleaned, freezers and fridges are cleaned out, yards and areas around the house are scrubbed and cleaned.
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 Perumalsami. Camphor is lit as devotees enter the house/temple, while shouting ‘’Goinda Govinda ‘’. This is done to lead the Lord into our home and into our life to brighten it and remove all impurities. Inside the house, various dishes are prepared which include Maviluku (lamp made with rice flour), Vades, Golgoolas, Sweet Rice, Chick Peas, Sweet meats etc.
The Dundee Hindu Temple will observe the first Saturday Purtassi prayer on Saturday September 22 from 3pm.
Pithra Paksh 
Pithra Paksh commences on the September 25 and is observed by Hindi speaking North Indians. “Pitra” refers to ancestors and “paksha” means a particular time. So Pitra Paksh is the time we offer prayers and food to our ancestors. 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. The scriptures say that if you fail to offer food and water to the ancestors, then in the afterlife you will also remain without and water.
Devotees observing Pithra Paksh eat only vegetarian foods and abstain from all pleasurable activity. No new ventures or celebrations are done during Pitra Paksh. It is believed that it is during this 15 days 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, and also it ensures that the entire family is blessed by the ancestors.
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.
The Dundee Hindu Temple wishes all Hindus, North and South Indian, a blessed and fruitful fasting period.