Narili Purnima

India is a land of many traditions, religions and hence festivals. Each month is dedicated to a new unique festival that worships aspects of nature, god, Earth, food and giving. Indians celebrate all festivals with the same vigour and enthusiasm with shared love and respect for all.

Narali Pournima is a ceremonial day observed by the Hindu community of fishermen in Maharashtra. This is noticed particularly in Mumbai and Konkan coast and is held on a full-moon day of the Hindu month of Sharavan. Shravan falls around August. The theme of Narali Poornima is to worship the ocean with rice, flowers and coconuts as offerings. There are many related festivals in the Shravan month that are linked to Narali Purnima including Raksha Bandhan where the strong bond of siblings is celebrated. 

The people of Maharasthra celebrate Narali Purnima with great enthusiasm. The fisherman community celebrates this to ward off dangerous accidents in the sea. The celebration marks the end of the season of monsoon and the beginning of fishing season and water -trade between communities. Thus, the fishermen offer prayers and worship the sea-God, Varun, for a smooth journey out in the waters. Dancing and singing are an important part of the celebration.

Narali Purnima is also known as coconut day and falls near world coconut day that is 2nd September. It is also known as Shravan Purnima. The sky is lit-bright by the full moon on Narali Purnima. The auspicious festival is celebrated with much vigour by the fishermen communities! 

Let us look at some preparations and rituals for this festival-

The word Narali itself means coconut or Nariyal, hence coconuts are a common offering to the sea at Narili Poornima. This is supposed to impress the sea and shift the winds in the favour of the fishermen. Before the festival, fishermen repair their fishing nets, boats and other equipment. This is also the chance to buy a new boat or to paint the old one and decorate them with garlands. 

Devotees worship Lord Varun asking for his blessing and dance in glee. It is believed that by 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.

The food on Narili Poornima includes everything Coconut! From coconut pudding, coconut kheer, coconut rice to other snacks, everything is made from this drupe. There are many who hold fast and don’t consume any grains! 

After the rituals and celebration, the fishermen bid their farewells and embark on their fishing adventures to bring glory and food to their families!