புரட்டாசி சனிக்கிழமை

Purattasi (புரட்டாசி) is the Tamil solar month that falls across September and October. For Sri Vaishnava houses it is Perumal's month. The visible mark is Saturday: Venkateswara or the household Perumal, a grain-and-dal meal without onion or garlic, and often a visit to a Tirupati-affiliated temple. This is a month-rhythm, like Aadi for Amman. Not every Tamil house keeps it. Iyengar homes do; many non-Brahmin Vaishnava homes do; Shaiva-only houses may not. Do not write it as "the Tamil month." In 2026 Purattasi runs 17 September–16 October. Saturdays in that window are the days that show on a family calendar.

Observances

1. Saturday Perumal puja

   Each Saturday of Purattasi: lamp, tulsi, and a simple naivedyam for Venkateswara or the household Perumal.

   If the temple is far, light the lamp at home before breakfast and play a recorded Suprabhatam. Name Tirumala.

2. No onion, no garlic

   The month's food is sattvic — no onion or garlic, often no leftover rice from the night before on Saturday.

   Agree the house rule on day one of Purattasi so the week is not an argument.

Getting ready

• Mark the Saturdays of Purattasi; book temple if the house goes

  community

  10d

• Stock tulsi, ghee, and sattvic groceries for the month

  food

  3d

In the US

US Venkateswara temples (Pittsburgh, Malibu, Livermore, Aurora, the New Jersey and Maryland temples) run packed Purattasi Saturday abhishekams. Book early. At home, a printed Srinivasa picture and tulsi from a pot on the balcony are enough. The onion-garlic rule is a household decision; do not shame a mixed kitchen — name what this house is doing.