Tag Archives: south african indian festivals

It is the period of the year in which we pay homage to Lord Venketeshwara. Therefore our worship is based on attaining forgiveness for the sins of mankind.

The worshippers then move into the house/temple chanting the Garuda Patthu. Each verse ends with the devotees chanting Govinda! Govinda! Govinda!

Amongst South African Tamils this festival is the most important one dedicated to lord VISHNU who takes on the form of lord PERUMAL.It is observed in the Tamil month of of PURATASSI (September 17th to October 17th). During this month devotees observe a very strict month long fast (viratham)-abstaining from non-vegetarian meals and alcohol and offering special prayers to lord VISHNU on a Saturday which is considered auspicious to Lord Vishnu.