Shravana Purnima

Key Celebrations and Significance of Shravani Purnima

1. Raksha Bandhan:
   • Festival of Siblings: In many parts of India, Shravani Purnima is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan, a festival that honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread, known as a Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love, protection, and prayers for their brothers' well-being. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
2. Upakarma (Avani Avittam):
   • Sacred Thread Ceremony: In South India, particularly among the Brahmin community, Shravani Purnima is observed as Upakarma or Avani Avittam. It is a day when Brahmin men renew their sacred thread (Yajnopavita) and perform special rituals to seek forgiveness for any mistakes committed during the year. The day is also marked by the recitation of the Vedas and other sacred texts.
3. Nariyal Purnima:
   • Offering to the Sea: In the coastal regions, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shravani Purnima is celebrated as Nariyal Purnima. On this day, fishermen offer coconuts to the sea, seeking the blessings of Lord Varuna, the god of the sea, for a safe and prosperous fishing season.
4. Kajari Purnima:
   • Agricultural Significance: In certain parts of North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, Shravani Purnima is observed as Kajari Purnima. It is an important day for farmers, who worship the land and pray for a good harvest. Women also participate in the rituals, praying for the well-being of their sons.
5. Hayagriva Jayanti:
   • Worship of Hayagriva: In some traditions, Shravani Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Hayagriva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Hayagriva is worshipped as the god of knowledge and wisdom, and devotees seek his blessings for success in their studies and learning.

Spiritual and Religious Significance

• End of Chaturmas: Shravani Purnima marks the conclusion of the first month of Chaturmas, a four-month period considered sacred for penance, fasting, and spiritual practices in Hinduism.
• Vedic Rituals: It is a day of great importance for those following the Vedic traditions, with rituals like Upakarma being performed to renew one's spiritual vows and commitments.
• Cultural Unity: Despite the diversity of traditions associated with Shravani Purnima across different regions, the common thread is the celebration of bonds—whether familial, with nature, or with the divine.

Date and Time for Shravani Purnima 2024

• India: The Purnima Tithi begins on August 18, 2024, in the evening and ends on August 19, 2024, by late evening.
• United States: Depending on the time zone, the Purnima Tithi will span from the evening of August 18 to the evening of August 19, 2024.
• Europe: Similar to the US, the Purnima Tithi will be from August 18 evening to August 19 evening.

Rituals and Practices

1. For Raksha Bandhan:
   • Rakhi Ceremony: Sisters prepare Rakhis and thalis with sweets, tilak, and other auspicious items. After tying the Rakhi, they perform aarti for their brothers and offer sweets.
2. For Upakarma (Avani Avittam):
   • Sacred Thread Change: Brahmin men perform a ritual bath, followed by the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and the changing of the sacred thread.
3. For Nariyal Purnima:
   • Coconut Offering: Fishermen offer coconuts to the sea and pray for safety and prosperity.
4. For Kajari Purnima:
   • Agricultural Rituals: Farmers worship their tools, seeds, and the land, praying for a good harvest season.
5. For Hayagriva Jayanti:
   • Hayagriva Puja: Devotees perform special pujas to Lord Hayagriva, seeking blessings for wisdom and knowledge.

Conclusion