Narali Purnima 2024 | Importance and Rituals of Narali Purnima

Narali Purnima (Hindi: नराली पूर्णिमा), also known as Coconut Day is an important festival celebrated majorly by Hindus in the western coastal regions of India. It is observed on the Purnima (full moon) in the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar and therefore referred as Shravana Purnima. In English calendar, this occurrence falls between the months of July-August.

Narali Purnima 2024 is on August 19, Monday

3 months and 19 days to go for the event

Image Source: IANS

Devotees celebrate Narali Purnima

Narali Purnima is observed with great zeal and fervour in Maharashtra and adjoining Konkani regions. People from the fisherman community celebrate this festival to ward off untoward incidents while sailing in the sea.

The word 'Narali' is derived from Naral implying 'coconut' and 'purnima' signifies the 'full moon day' and therefore coconut holds an important purpose on this day.

Rituals during Narali Purnima:

On the day of Narali Purnima, Hindu devotees worship Lord Varun. On this occasion, a 'nariyal' (coconut) is offered to the Lord of Sea. It is believed that brightly performing the puja rituals on Shravana Purnima, they can please the Lord and seek His protection from all dangers of the sea. The 'Upnayan' and 'Yagyopaweet' rituals are among the most widely followed rituals.

Image Source: IANS

The month of Shravana is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. On Narali Purnima, devotees also offer prayers to Shiva as it is believed that the three eyes of coconut is a depiction of 3-eyed Lord Shiva.

The Brahmins in the state of Maharashtra who perform the 'Shravani Upakarma' keep a fast on this day without consuming any form of grains. They keep the 'phalahar' vrat by eating only coconut all day long.

On Narali Purnima as a gesture of gratitude and respect towards Mother Nature, people also plant coconut trees along the coast.

After completing the puja rituals, fishermen sail in the sea, in their ornately decorated boats. After making a short trip, they return to the shore and spend the rest of the day soaking in the festivities. Dancing and singing form the main attraction of this festival.

Image Source: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS

Women celebrate Narali Purnima

Special sweet dish from coconut is prepared on Narali Purnima that is eaten together with the family members after offering to the lord. Coconut forms the staple food of the day and fishermen consume various dishes made from it.

Important Timings On Narali Purnima 2024

Significance of Narali Purnima:

Narali Purnima is a chief religious festival that is celebrated along the coastal regions. It holds special significance for the fisherman community, especially in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.

Image Source: IANS

Fishermen painting their boats ahead of Narali Purnima festival

Narali Purnima is religiously observed by thoseinvolved in salt production, fishing or any other activity related to sea. This festival is primarily dedicated to worshipping Lord Varun, the God of Sea.Fishermen offer prayers and keep a fast asking the Lord to calm the sea during the turbulentmonsoon season.

Narali Purnima also marks the onset of the fishing season and on this day fishermen make generous offerings to Lord Varun to seek His blessings to reap abundant fishes from the sea. The festival of Narali Purnima is indicative of the coming year that will be filled with happiness, joy and wealth.

Narali Purnima festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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