Narali Purnima is an important festival celebrated by Hindus in the western coastal region of India. The festival is observed on the full moon day or Purnima in the month of Shravana as per the Hindu calendar and therefore referred to as Shravana Purnima.
Narali Purnima is also called ‘Coconut Day’ and those who follow the Gregorian calendar, this occurrence falls between the months of July-August. The festival is observed with much fervor and enthusiasm in Maharashtra and adjoining Konkani region.
Narali is derived from the Naral which means coconut and Purnima signify the full moon day and that s the reason coconut holds an important purpose on the day.
The festival of Narali Purnima clashes with other festivals like Shravani Purnima, Raksha Bandhan and Kajari Poornima in the other regions of the country. Even the traditions and cultures may differ but the significance remains the same.
Rituals of Narali Purnima
The Upnayan and Yahyopaweet rituals are among the most widely followed rituals of the festival. On the day of Narali Purnima, Hindu devotees worship Lord Varun. Coconut is offered to the Lord of Sea and it is believed that the brightly performing the puja rituals on Sharavana Purnima they can please the Lord and seek his protection from the danger of the sea.
As we know that Lord Shiva is worshipped in the month of Sharavana. On Narali Purnima, devotees also offer prayers to Shiva as it is believed that the three eyes of coconut are a depiction of 3-eyed Lord Shiva.
The Brahmins in the state of Maharashtra who performs the Shravani Upakarma keep a fast on this day without consuming any form of grains. Also, they keep the ‘Phalahar vrat’ by eating the 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 rip they return to the shore and spend the rest of the day soaking in the festivities. Dancing and singing from the main attraction of this festival.
On Nirali Purnima, a special sweet dish from coconut is prepared that is eaten together with the family members after offering to the lord. Coconut forms the staple food of the day and fisherman consume various dishes made from it.
Timings of Narali Purnima:
| Sunrise | August 15, 2019, 6:06 AM |
| Sunset | August 15, 2019, 6:55 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | August 14, 2019, 3:45 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | August 15, 2019, 5:59 PM |
