Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima) is celebrated as Avani Avittam in
Kerala,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and parts of
Orissa and
Maharashtra. Avani Avittam is considered an important day for the
Brahmins in southern states of India. The day is called Upakarmam
(meaning the beginning) by the Brahmins. The Brahmins change their Holy
threads (Yajnopavita or Janeyu) and read the Yajurveda on this day.
Rituals
People take Mahasankalpam or a vow for atonement of all their sins in
the past. The Brahmins take a holy dip and wear a new holy thread called
Yajnopavita or Janeyu. When the thread (Yajnopavita) is worn, another
mantra is recited which means -"I am putting on the sacred thread
which is highly pure, inseparable from God, is capable of prolonging
life and is most important in the accomplishment of a Brahmana.
