Full Moon Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan Purnima)
Shravan Purnima — the full moon of the sacred month of Shravan — is one of the most auspicious Purnimas of the Hindu calendar and holds multiple simultaneous observances beyond Raksha Bandhan. It is also Narali Purnima (coconut full moon) when fishermen of coastal Maharashtra and Goa offer coconuts to the sea god Varuna and begin the fishing season after the monsoon. Additionally it is Avani Avittam (Upakarma) — the sacred thread ceremony day for Brahmins who change their yajnopavita and renew Vedic vows. It also marks the Hayagriva Jayanti (birth of the horse-headed Vishnu avatar of knowledge) and Balabhadra (Balarama) Jayanti.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Shravan Purnima is a confluence of multiple sacred traditions — the sibling bond (Raksha Bandhan), renewal of Vedic vows (Upakarma), maritime gratitude (Narali Purnima), and the avatar of divine wisdom (Hayagriva Jayanti). The full moon of Shravan is considered especially potent for all protective and renewing rituals.
Rituals & Traditions
Raksha Bandhan: sister ties rakhi on brother's wrist. Narali Purnima (coastal Maharashtra/Goa): fishermen offer decorated coconuts to the sea. Upakarma: Brahmin men perform a ritual bath, change sacred thread (yajnopavita), and recite the Vedic resolution (Kamokarshit mantra). Hayagriva Puja for students and scholars. Moonrise prayers and fasting.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan Purnima)?
Shravan Purnima — the full moon of the sacred month of Shravan — is one of the most auspicious Purnimas of the Hindu calendar and holds multiple simultaneous observances beyond Raksha Bandhan. It is also Narali Purnima (coconut full moon) when fisher...
Q.What is the significance of Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan Purnima)?
Shravan Purnima is a confluence of multiple sacred traditions — the sibling bond (Raksha Bandhan), renewal of Vedic vows (Upakarma), maritime gratitude (Narali Purnima), and the avatar of divine wisdom (Hayagriva Jayanti). The full moon of Shravan is considered especially potent for all protective and renewing rituals.
Q.What are the rituals of Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan Purnima)?
Raksha Bandhan: sister ties rakhi on brother's wrist. Narali Purnima (coastal Maharashtra/Goa): fishermen offer decorated coconuts to the sea. Upakarma: Brahmin men perform a ritual bath, change sacred thread (yajnopavita), and recite the Vedic resolution (Kamokarshit mantra). Hayagriva Puja for students and scholars. Moonrise prayers and fasting.
Q.What foods are made during Shravan Purnima (Rakshabandhan Purnima)?
Coconut-based sweets, Narali bhat (coconut rice), Kheer, Sewain, Modak