The fourteenth day (chaturdashi) of the bright (waxing) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August–September) is celebrated as a festival.
- This event takes place during the four-month period when Vishnu is said to be resting on Shesha, his snake couch, while his wife Lakshmi massaged his feet.
- The event is named for Shesha, who is known by several epithets, one of which is Anant (meaning "endless").
- Vishnu worshippers (bhakta) should worship and meditate on this specific picture of Vishnu with Shesha and Lakshmi on this day.
- Before starting devotion, followers tie a thread soaked in turmeric, an eastern Indian spice, onto their forearm and make fourteen knots in it.
- The string is a Shesha symbol, yellow is Vishnu's hue, and the fourteen knots represent the fourteenth day.
- On this day, devotees should not only worship Vishnu, but also fast (upavasa).
- Following the festival's rules meticulously is said to bring wealth and release from exile.
- Keeping this promise, according to legend, allows the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the epic Mahabharata, to escape exile and reclaim their country.
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