Regional and Scriptural Names of Rakshabandhan

Owing to its various legends and differences in significance rakshabandhan is known by different names in different states of India, by different communities. Rakshabandhan significance also varies with the region. Rakshabandhan is primarily a North and West Indian Festival but is celebrated in other parts of India as well though the day of Shravan Purnima or Rakshabandhan has a different significance in southern and coastal regions.

Rakhi - Rakhi is one of the most important festival in India. Festival of Rakhi celebrates the sanctity of the pious relationship that exists between brothers and sisters. Since family and relationships are given supreme importance in India, Rakhi gets its due significance as a festival.

Rakhi Purnima - Rakhi purnima is celebrated in the northern and northwestern parts of India with a lot of zest and esprit. Here Rakshabandhan is the celebration of the chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister.

Nariyal Purnima - It is called Nariyal Purnima or coconut full moon in the Western Ghats that includes the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Here Rakshabandhan signifies the beginning of a new season for those dependent on sea.

Avani Avittam / Upakarmam - Rakhi Purnima is called Avani Avittam in southern parts of India that is in Kerala, Andhra Peadesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Orissa and is an Important day for the Brahmins. The day is called Upakarmam by the Brahmins. They change their Holy threads on this day.

Kajari Purnima - The Rakshabandhan day is called Shravani or Kajari Purnima in Madhya Pradesh, chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar. Rakshabandhan, here is an important day for farmers and women who have sons.

Pavitropana - The Rakshabandhan day is celebrated as Pavitropana in Gujarat. Rakshabandhan is the day when people perform the grand pooja or the worship of the three eyed God, Lord Shiva. It is the culmination of the prayers done through out the year.

Other Names - Every region has a different name and celebration for the Rakhi Purnima. The common link is that tying of rakhi on rakshabandhan is now performed as a part of all the ceremonies

See Also
Meaning & Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Rakhi Traditions & Customs