This austerity is related with the worship of lord Padmanabh- an epithet of lord Vishnu and is observed on the twelfth day of the bright half of the Hindu month-ashwin. One important charecteristic of the ritual is that all the organs of lord Padmanabh is worshipped. The idol is placed on a pot filled with water and while worshipping offerings of various articles are made- flowers, fruits, sandalwood, etc. On the following day the idol is donated to a brahmin. One who observes a fast on this day enjoys a prosperous life and attains to the abode of lord Padmanabh.
