Narali Poornima | Rakshabandhan

Narali Purnima or Rakhi Pournima takes place in Maharasthra & Kerala.It is also called as Coconut Day festival.The Hindu festival of Narali Purnima or the Coconut festival is celebrated with great fervor and in a jubilant manner by the fishermen and the fishing community in Maharashtra on the full moon day of Shravan. 'Shravan' is one out of the four most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. Thus, a full moon day or the Purnima in this month is regarded as even more sacred.

It also marks the end of monsoon, and is primarily observed by sailors, fishermen and others living in the coastal areas of South India. They offer coconut to the sea on this occasion.The word 'Naral' means coconut and coconut is offered to the sea on the full moon day, hence the name Narali Purnima. Other names for the festival include Shravani Purnima, Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi Purnima.

Narial (naral in Marathi) which means coconuts, are offered to the sea god Varuna, to seek his blessings for a fruitful fishing season, hence the name Narali Purnima comes into the picture. It is believed that an offering of gold coconut to the sea will bring in a lot of luck but since it is a very costly affair many do not follow it.Dancing and singing are an integral part of this festival. The traditional food includes sweet coconut rice which is savored with curry.

The reason for offering no other fruit but the coconut is because coconut has long been regarded as an auspicious offering Gods in all Hindu festivals. This is because every part of the tree – leaves, bark, coconut itself is extremely useful to man. Thus, this offering of coconut is believed to appease the Sea god for a safe journey ahead in the waters. 

The festival of Rakshabandhan is also celebrated on the Poornima of month of Shravan. Rakshabandhan is a festival of Rakhi or Raksha thread. Normally, sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. They tie Rakhi and perform their Aarti. Brothers give the word of protection to their sisters in return and also give them some gifts.