The tale of Chitra Purnima is centred on Indra, the kings of the devas, and his Brihaspati, based on the folklores of Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam.
Brihaspati, Indra's guru, gave him instructions to make a pilgrimage to the earth in order to atone for his negative karma.
On this day, devotees ask Chitragupta to give them good thoughts and deeds which will benefit all living beings.
On the festival day, many devotees gather around rivers or places where the moon is visible to have dinner with family and friends.
The observance is called Chitira Pournami in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, especially by followers of Kaumaram and Shaiva Siddhanta.