Shravan Purnima is considered to be one of the most sacred days as it falls in the month of Shravana and the whole month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Purnima which falls in Shukla Paksha of Shravana month is also known as Shravan Shukla Purnima, which falls on August 11 this year.

In South India, Shravan Purnima is observed as Narali, Narayali, and Avani Avittam, whereas Kajari Poonam is observed in Central India. On this day, the rites of “Upnayan” and “Yagyopaveet” are performed. On Shravana Purnima, Brahmins also perform the “Shudhikaran” ceremony as it is one of the most revered days for performing religious rites.

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Here are various ways in which Shrawan Purnima is celebrated among Hindus:

1.  Celebration Of Kajari Purnima

The states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are where Kajari Purnima is most widely observed. All preparations begin on the ninth day of Shravan Amavasya. Women celebrate the holiday by performing traditional songs and telling the tales of Kajari Purnima Vrat. Mothers observe this fast in hopes of ensuring the health and life of their sons.

2. Nariyal or Narali Purnima

On this day, Nariyal Purnima is another festival that is mostly celebrated in India’s coastal areas. Devotees worship the sea and visit the coast. They do puja in order to honour Varuna, the deity in charge of the water. People who worship Lord Varuna are said to be protected from any threat posed by the sea or other sources of water. A nariyal (coconut) is also presented to the sea on this holy day.

3. End of Amarnath Yatra

The Amarnath Yatra starts on the eve of Guru Purnima and ends on Shravan Purnima. On this day, all of the “Kanwariyas” worship Lord Shiva by pouring water over the Shivling and successfully completing their journeys.

4. Pavitropana

It is a Gujarati festival which is celebrated on Shravan Purnima. According to tradition, devotees pour water onto the Shivling and chant prayers to ask for Lord Shiva’s blessings.

5. Kushanbhavpur Day

Kushanbhavpur Day is observed on Shravan Purnima in Ayodhya and Prayagraj. It is observed as Kushanbhavpur Day at Sultanpur since ancient times.

6.  Avani Avittam

The Yajurveda-studying Brahmins of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa, and Maharashtra commemorate this day as Avani Avittam. Brahmins take the Mahasankalpa on this day to purge themselves of previous misdeeds. After taking a bath, the brahmins put on a fresh yagyopaveet. For the following six months, Yajurvedi Brahmins would begin reading the Yajurveda as of this day.