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.