IRaksha Bandhan is called the Nariyal Purnima or coconut full moon in
the Western parts of India that includes the states of
Gujarat,
Maharashtra,
Goa and
Karnataka. Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the beginning of a new season for
the fishing community who is dependent on sea for its livelihood. On the
occasion of Nariyal Purnima, the sea God Varuna is worshipped by the
people to invoke his blessings. Since the festival involves the
offerings of coconuts to the sea God, it is called the Nariyal Purnima.
On the Rakhi Purnima people pray to God for forgiveness for their past
mistakes and sins. This ceremony is called Pavitropana. In the ceremony
a few twisted threads of cotton are drenched in panchagaivya (a mixture
of cow ghee, milk, curd, urine and excreta) and then wrapped around the
Shivalingas. The twisted threads of cotton are immersed in the
panchgaivya for purification.
