Rakhi purnima is a very important day
for everyone in India. Rakhi purnima comes in the month of Shravana, which
is known as the month of Gods and worships. The full moon day in this month
is called rakhi poornima. This day is celebrated in different ways in
different parts of India with different rituals and tradtions. However the
prayer for protection and well-being is one thing that is common in
everyone's prayer. In the Western Ghats, the
rakhi day is
considered to be an offering to Lord Varuna, the lord of the sea. Lord
Varuna is offered coconuts and on the day of
Rakhi , coconuts are thrown in
the sea. This is also the reason why this day is also celebrated as
Nariyal
Purnima. With this ritual, marks the beginning of the fishing season.
In South India, rakhi purnima is called
Avani Avittam. This day is
considered to be very important for the Brahmins as they fist take a holy
bath and then change their holy thread (Janeyu) chanting the mantras. On
this day they perform the ceremony called Shravani or Rishi Tarpan.
In the northern part of India, rakhi purnima is called
Kajri Purnima or
Kajri Navami. On this day wheat or barley is sown. Goddess Bhagwati is
worshipped and farmers seek her blessings for a good crop. In Gujarat,
people offer water to Shiva Linga and pray for forgiveness. The festival of
rakhi or
Raksha
Bandhan in scriptures is described as the 'Punya Pradayak', the day
that brings blessings and happiness for all.
