Guru Sureshan Krishnan: “The Purtassi 2022 fasting season for Hindus commences on September 18 until October 17. During this special religious period, Hindu followers observe Saturday prayers during the fasting, where prayers are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to tradition, the Purtassi prayer is mainly celebrated on the Saturdays in this period as they are the most auspicious time to worship Lord Vishnu in all his various forms. In the Holy Trinity (Trimurthi) of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, the preserver is Vishnu. It is the period of the year during which we pay homage to Lord Vishnu. Therefore our worship is thanksgiving to mother nature for preservation. Preservation is a divine attribute which embraces many aspects of our life to which we invoke Lord Vishnu as Emperumal, Govinda, Venketeswara, Hari Narayana, Balaji, Srinivasa, Runganatha etc. It was in the month of Purtassi that Lord Vishnu, in the form of Sri Venketa Chala Pahi (Balaji), came to earth to guide the people. Special recitals pertaining to Lord Vishnu are conducted from religious books like Garuda Parthu and Thirunaam Padhigam. Devotees say: “Govinda, Govinda, Govinda,” after each verse is recited. Devotees especially on Saturday’s wear the Naamam or the Vaishnavite symbol. Symbolically, the Naamam represents Lord Vishnu`s two feet in his reclined pose –
which is represented in the shape of a capital “U”. The central spoke represents the Thrishaum or Mother Lutchmee. Saturdays are observed for the worship of Hanuman and Shri Balaji because Saturdays are free from the influences of Saturn and other planetary sources (Grahas). In this month, planets like Mercury and Ketha influence the earth. Therefore, the worship of Lord Vishnu with devotion and love will help us to have a peaceful and happy life with good obedient children. “Bakthi” is the main theme of all the rituals in the month. May this auspicious month of Purtassi be filled with blessings and healing. Govinda Govinda Govinda!!!”
Nilesh Pareki of Rv Fast Foods on 13th Ave, Laudium: “I wish all friends and family an auspious Purtassi. May Goddess Durga pave our way with love and light.”
Kaamala Padayachy of Mustard Street said, “Wishing all a blessed and wonderful Purtassi. May Lord Govinda bless and grant all your wishes and desires.”
Sathiaraj Kanagaraj of Sarvanas Pooja Store on 13th Ave in Laudium: “Happy Purtassi. May the good Lord bless us and our homes with love, light, good health and wealth.”
Bradley Padayachy and Dirandren Pillay of Mustard Street said, “As the auspicious month of Purtassi approaches, where we as Hindus observe a month long fast in glorifying and worshipping our majestic, Lord Vishnu who is the preserver of the universe, may all those observing the Purtassi fast be blessed abundantly with great health, success and all that one desires. May Lord Vishnu guide and protect the paths of all devotees. Blessings and divinity to all those observing Purtassi.”