Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam is a five-day vratham observed in Karthika Krishna Paksham in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. In 2021, Paitha Mahakruchcha vratham begins on November 26 and ends on November 30.
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 vrata:
Kartik Krishna Saptami – 26 November 2021 – Water
Kartik Krishna Ashtami – 27 November 2021 – milk
Kartik Krishna Navami – 28 November 2021 – curd
Kartik Krishna Dashami – 29 November 2021 – ghee
On Kartik Krishna Ekadashi – 30 November 2021 – (Utpatti Ekadashi or Utpanna Ekadasi) the upavasam is broken with performing Vishnu puja.