Sashti Viratham is observed on the sixth day during the Shukla Paksha or bright phase of moon as per a traditional Hindu calendar. Sashti Viratham September 2011 date is September 3. It is a monthly fasting dedicated to Hindu god Muruga (known as Kartik in North and western parts of India). Special pujas and rituals are also held on the day in Muruga Temples.
Muruga, also known as Skanda, Vadivela, Shanmukha and Subramanian, is widely worshipped in South India, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and Sri Lanka especially by Tamilians and Malayalis. In North India, Muruga is known as Kartik or Kartikeya.Fasting on Sashti is considered highly beneficial and some devotees observe a complete fast for 24 hours.There are two Sashti fasting dates in a month one each during the waxing phase of moon and another during the waning phase of moon. Most devotees fast during the Sashti falling during waxing phase of moon.
