Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam is a five-day vratham observed in Karthika Krishna Paksham in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In 2009, Paitha Mahakruchcha vratham begins on November 9 and ends on November 12. Usually, this vrata starts on Kartika Krishna Saptami and ends on Kartika Krishna Ekadashi (Utpanna Ekadasi / Utpatti Ekadasi). During the vrata, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and on each day a type of food is consumed by devotees. The legend or vratha katha of Paitha Mahakricha vrata is mentioned in the prominent Hindu scripture of vrathas known as “Chaturvarga Chintamani”.

Here are the details of food to take on each day during Paitha Mahakracha vrat:

• Kartik Krishna Saptami – November 9, 2009 – Water
• Kartik Krishna Astami – November 10, 2009 – milk
• Kartik Krishna Navami – November 11, 2009 – curd
• Kartik Krishna Dashami – November 11, 2009 – ghee

On Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, also known as Utpatti Ekadashi or Utpanna Ekadasi, the upavasam is broken with performing Vishnu puja.