Tamilians fast for purification
The annual fasting month of Purtassi is dedicated to the worship of Maha Vishnu (The Preserver), will be observed from Monday to October 17. During this period, devotees undertake a Viratham (fast), where no meat or meat products are consumed to cleanse t
FOR 24-year-old Phoenix chemical engineering graduate Valencia Govender, Purtassi is all about discipline and abstinence from meat, alcohol and even sleep.
She said Purtassi was when Tamilians observed a fast in which only vegetables are eaten.
“This is a form of discipline, purification and cleansing of the body and mind.”
Explaining why Tamilians observed the month-long fast, she said: “Lord Vishnu came to earth to guide people, so in this month we pray to Lord Vishnu, the protector, to thank Him for life on earth. The fasting prayers are offered on a Saturday because this day, we believe, is free from the influence of planet Saturn (believed to bring bad luck).
“The prayer is where positive energies flow and there is motivation for prayer. This prayer signifies the journey of our Lord from darkness to light.”
Speaking of the rituals practised on the day of prayer, Govender explained the house must be cleansed.
“The lamp must be washed, a garland must be made for the door and a drawing called ‘kolam’ must be drawn on the floor where the prayer is done.”
She said rituals always started from outside the house, leading to the inside where camphor was lit and a coconut broken. “We chant on the word ‘Govinda’, which means ‘in the name of God we give thanks’, as well as ring a bell.”
Govender added that a drawing called “naman” was put on the forehead. “For men this is ‘V’ shaped and for women, it is a red dot.”
When it comes to food preparations, an array of vegetarian dishes are prepared, including herbs, green-beans and/or mushroom.
“We also make sweet-rice, vermicelli, vedas, gulgula and woorandai. These are all placed on a banana leaf.”
She said a “theertham” (holy water) was made to drink. “This is made of milk, sugar and tulsi leaves, which is offered to drink after the prayer.”
of the South African Tamil Federation, said for him, Purtassi was a month of cleansing. “While many start in September, I start in August and observe a thorough fast abstaining from meat and alcohol.”
The 46-year-old, of Malvern, said his prayer was usually held during the long Heritage Day weekend and that his entire family participated in the cleansing prayer.
“There is a lot of prayer involved. It is one of the biggest festivals and generally when it’s over, some people do another prayer that continues into Diwali. We eat a lot of veggies, like potato curry, green beans and cauliflower. There’s also a lot of baking of sweetmeats, which are offered to our God.”
Chetty added that the fast was to teach sacrifice; for one’s body to rest in order to move forward.
a yoga instructor from Isipingo Beach, said the fast was excellent for rejuvenating the mind and body.
Govender, who recently turned 50, said this period helped remove toxins from the body and allowed devotees to redeem themselves.
She said while the fast had immense spiritual benefits, it also helped with other elements, such as weight loss.
“The amount of fresh fruit and vegetables consumed definitely helps the body flush out the excess fat and if observed properly, will give you the added benefits.”
During the fast, Govender starts off the day with yoga, to stay focused. “For me, it is all about the mind and body control.”
Govender abstains from everything deemed “pleasurable”, including alcohol and dancing. She added that no “big events” or purchases are made during this month.
“No weddings or parties can be held, not even the purchase of a new car.”
She conducts her prayer in the last week of September.
“The entire family has to be there and the ladies have to be clean and pure to participate in the prayer. No one who is on their menstrual periods is allowed.”
She said the women normally get together to cook and bake, all of which must be done in clean pots.
“Many households will bring out the clean pots that are only designated for prayers. The pots used daily must be put away.”
Seeking forgiveness, cleansing of sins and purification is the aim of the prayer.
She indicated that this was the most important prayer on the Tamil calender and hoped to instill these practices in her children.
■ YUGAN Naidoo, 38, of Shallcross, follows the fast according to what he believes will be beneficial to him.“I’m not too religious but more spiritually-inclined. I fast for my own personal needs and sacrifice according to that which is relevant to me.”
He said he had never been one to follow what everyone else does and the fast was more of a detox period for him.
“It’s more about the healthy balance. I think the over consumption of meat can lead to various illnesses and refraining from such for a period is advantageous.
“Everything must be done in moderation. Therefore, I would say I’m not religious but cultural.”
When asked if abstaining from pleasures also meant intimacy with one’s partner, he said each to his own.
“We are taught to refrain from smoking, drinking and even sex but it all depends on you on a personal level.”