Indian Regional Names of Raksha Bandhan

Indian culture reffers according to the way of life of the Indian people. Indian festivals, religions, languages, music, dance, food, architecture and customs vary from places to places within the country. Indian people celebrate various festivals with different names; and Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with various methods and names according to different region of India.

Raksha Bandhan festival is also known by the name of Rakhi and the festival is celebrated on Shravana Purnima the full moon of Shravan month according to Hindu calendar.

The Raksha Bandhan celebration has various significance in different regional area in India, some of well known names are as follows:

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan festival has most significance in all brother and sisters in India. Rakhi is the name which is most widely known of Raksha Bandhan in India. It's a celebration of tie a rakhi thread on the wrist of brother by sister and bond of protection.

Upakarma or Avani Avittam

Upakarma also known as Avani Avittam which is a Tamil name for the same ritual and Upakarma translates to 'beginning' or 'commencement'. This meant by an action to performed before beginning of Vedic Studies. This festivals is important for Bramins, particularly those belonging to Yajurveda traditions which is celebrated on Shravana Purnima in the full moon of Hindu calendar in the south India. During Upakarma or Avani Avittam, Brahmins perform the "Yajur Upakarma" ceremony, which involves rituals such as bhramins changing the sacred thread which is called 'Janeyu' or 'Yajnopavita', reciting the Gayatri Mantra, and performing rituals to express gratitude to Rishis (sages) and seek their blessings.

  • Bramins chant the Gayatri Mantra as part of there daily spiritual practice.
  • Offerings rice, fruits, and flowers to deities and doing prayers for the well-being and prosperity of oneself and one's family are the part of the tradition.
  • Brahmins participate in a community feast where traditional dishes are prepared and shared among family members and fellow Brahmins.
  • Brahmins seek blessings from elders, teachers, and learned individuals within the community. This symbolizes respect for wisdom and tradition and fosters a sense of unity and lineage among Brahmin families.

Rakhi Purnima

The another name of Raksha Bandhan is Rakhi Purnima, which is celebrated on the full moon or purnima or puranmasi of the Shravana month according to the Hindu calendar. People of the India believe that Shravana month is for God worship and pooja. On Rakhi Purnima all the sisters ties Rakhi (sacred thread) on his brother's wrist and pray for his long life and brother returns a gift and commit for protection for his sister from the life up and downs.

Kajari Purnima

The Kajari Purnima is another name of Raksha Bandhan and the kajari purnima is celebrated in Chhattisgarh, Madhay Pradesh (MP), Bihar and Jharkand region of India. The Kajari Purnima is most important day for farmers and women who blessed with a son. The celebration of Kajari Purnima starts after the nine day from Shravana Amavasya and this ninth day is known as Kajari Navami. Women who have son until Kajari Purnima perform pooja on this ninth day.

Narali Purnima or Nariyal (coconut) Purnima

Narali Purnima also known as Nariyal Purnima or Coconut day, it is a traditional festival celebrated on full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. The name 'Narali' or 'Nariyal' refers to coconut, which play central role in the celebration. On Narali Purnima, people offer coconuts to the sea god Varuna, praying for protection from natural calamities like storms and rough seas.

Coconuts are often decorated with flowers, Moli, leaves and other auspicious items before being offered to the sea. Narali Purnima's rituals often include prayers offered at temples; particularly dedicated to Varuna and other sea deities. Additionally, many fishermen also perform rituals on their boats, seeking divine protection for a prosperous year ahead. Narali Purnima is an occasion for community gatherings, feasting, and cultural celebrations. Traditional sweets and dishes made from coconuts are prepared and shared among family and friends. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season in riverian areas, bringing a sense of renewal and prospect for the rains that nourish the land and sustain livelihoods.

Pavitropana

Pavitropana is a significant festival for Indians; especially for Gujaratis. It is also known as 'Pavitrotsav' or 'Pavitrotsava'. Pavitrotsava is a time for purification, devotion, and seeking blessings from the divine powers. According to hindu calendar, The festival is on the full moon day i.e. Purnima of Shravana month; which typically falls in August month of Gragorian calendar. On this holy day, people perform a Grand Pooja; in which all the relatives, friends and family members come together in one place and do worship of the lord Shiva. On this celebration time they pray for happiness, healthiness and prosperity for their families, society and neighbourhood. People of Gujarat believe that this is the most important and holy day of the whole year.

During pavitropana, various rituals and ceremonies are performed to purify ourselves, our houses and surroundings and the most important rituals that is purification for water, which is then used for bathing and other religious purposes. This purified holy water is called "Pavitram". In these rituals there is a central ritual, which involves the consecration of sacred threads known as "Pavitras" or "Pavitrams". These threads are tied around the wrist as a symbol of protection and blessings, and the thread is called 'Rakhi', which is used to tie on Rakshabandhan as well. This festival is being celebrated all over India as well as whole world also, because Indians live globally for their academic and professional purposes.

Jhulan Purnima

Jhulan Purnima, also known as Jhulan Yatra or Jhulna, is a Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in the northern and eastern regions of India, particularly in Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, celebrating their divine love and playful pastimes. The central theme of Jhulan Purnima revolves around swings (jhula). Swing is also called Hindola in sankrit language. Hindola is also known as a special musical tune (raga) designed to accompany the act of swinging.

Symbolizing the swings on which, Radha and Krishna are said to have played together in the forests of Vrindavan. During Jhulan Purnima pooja swings (jhula) are decorated with colorfull flowers, leaves and idols of Radha and Krishna. Devotees take turns swinging the divine couple while singing devotional songs (bhajans) that recount their enchanting stories and divine love.

On this day many ladies and girls tie swings on trees and decorate them beautifully. Swing each other while singing song and laughing and celebrate the day. This view is looks like gopies come from Dvapara Yuga.