FOR thousands of Hindu devotees, September marks the beginning of Puratassi. Recognised widely by the Tamil and Telugu communities, Puratassi is the most spiritually significant months on the Hindu calendar. 

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The time is traditionally dedicated to Vishnu, revered specifically under Sri Venkateswara Swamy, and is normally done through a period of prayer. Sidney Govindsamy, president of the Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa, said the observance is ultimately about bhakti (devotion), self-discipline, spiritual renewal, humility and surrender. 

Observance details 

Puratassi will commence on Friday, September 18, with the hoisting of the flag in honour of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and conclude on Saturday, October 17. 

“The flag-hoisting ceremony symbolically marks the beginning of this sacred period and invites devotees to dedicate the month to prayer, discipline, abstinence, charity, service and devotion. Made up of five sacred Saturdays and regarded as particularly auspicious with special emphasis placed on prayer, fasting, temple worship and offerings to Venkateswara,” he said. 

Govindsamy said Saturday worship is also traditionally associated with seeking divine protection and relief from difficulties associated with Shani (Saturn). 

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“Devotees may participate in special prayers, bhajans and worship within the temple programmes. Many families as a collective observe prayer at their homes on a Saturday,” he said. 

Fasting for the month

During this period, many devotees abstain from meat and alcohol throughout the month as some undertake forms of fasting. However, Govindsamy stressed that the significance of Puratassi goes far beyond dietary restrictions.

“It is a time to control the senses, reduce worldly distractions and devote greater attention to God, prayer, charity, temple worship and service to others,” he said. 

The month also holds an important place in the preservation of South African Hindu heritage, with many of the traditions practised today having been brought to the country by previous generations.

Through temples and community organisations, these customs can continue to be passed down, ensuring that the observance remain meaningful for future generations.

Govindsamy extended his well wishes to all devotees observing this sacred period.

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