Puratasi Month 2025 starts on 17th September and ends on 18th October. During this sacred month, all Saturdays hold spiritual significance, with odd Saturdays (1st, 3rd, and 5th) being especially important. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, chant Govinda Namalu, and observe vegetarian meals as a mark of devotion. The Tirumala Sarla Katta Navaratri Brahmotsavam also coincides with this period, making it a spiritually enriching festival.
Significance of Puratasi Month
Puratasi is celebrated with devotion across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, where it is popularly known as Sani or Tirumala Shanivara (Telugu: తిరుమల శనివారాలు, Tamil: புரட்டாசி சனி). According to tradition, Lord Venkateswara appeared on Earth during this month, making it an ideal time to express gratitude for divine protection at the end of Kaliyugam. The month encourages devotees to embrace spiritual practices, maintain discipline, and strengthen their connection with the divine.
Govindala Pandaga: Celebrations and Rituals
In the Chittoor region of Andhra Pradesh, Puratasi month is celebrated as Govindala Pandaga. Devotees, including entire families, participate in Govinda Mala Deeksha, walking from nearby villages to Tirumala. People from Tamil Nadu also join this pilgrimage, and villagers along the route provide food and shelter at satrams.
All four Saturdays are auspicious, with the third Saturday being of special importance. Devotees offer Taliga meals on plantain leaves, featuring dishes like vada, chakara pongal, payasam, and rice preparations. A traditional ritual called Pindi Harathi involves offering a ghee-and-jaggery deepam to the Lord, which is later consumed as prasadam
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
Puratasi month is more than just devotion—it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and intergenerational bonding. Festivals like Govindala Pandaga preserve cultural heritage while instilling gratitude, peace, and spiritual harmony among communities. Devotees chant Govinda Namalu, draw Tirunamam on their foreheads, and participate in rituals to honor Lord Venkateswara’s guidance.
– Beautifully explained by Rajeshwari Puthalapattu, regional food promoter, menu curator, and author of “Stroll of Emotions.”
