The full moon of Shravan carries three names in Gujarat. As Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie rakhis on their brothers. As Baleva, Brahmins change the sacred thread, the janoi, at a river or temple. And as Nariyeli Poonam, the fishing communities of the long Saurashtra coast offer coconuts to the sea and take their boats out after the monsoon.
The story
The thread is traced to Lakshmi, who tied one on King Bali; Baleva takes its name from him. The mantra said as the rakhi is tied still invokes that binding.
Shravan is the holiest month of the Gujarati year: Mondays are kept for Shiva, the Shivalayas are crowded, and many eat one meal a day throughout.
How it is kept
- RakhiTilak, thread and a sweet for the brother; a gift for the sister.
- Janoi badalviThe sacred thread is renewed with offerings to the sages.
- Nariyeli PoonamDecorated boats, and coconuts thrown to the sea god.
- SweetsKopra pak, penda and ghari.
Why this date
Raksha Bandhan is the full-moon tithi of Shravan. The rakhi is tied after Bhadra, the first half of the tithi, has ended.
Raksha Bandhan in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday | |
| 2027 | Tuesday | |
| 2028 | Saturday | |
| 2029 | Friday | |
| 2030 | Tuesday | |
| 2031 | Sunday |
More Gujarati festivals
24 AugustJanmashtamiજન્માષ્ટમી
18 JulyGuru Purnimaગુરુ પૂર્ણિમા
3 SeptemberGanesh Chaturthiગણેશ ચતુર્થી
14 JulyDevpodhi Agiyarasદેવપોઢી અગિયારસ
8 MayAkha Trijઅખાત્રીજ
7 OctoberNavratri and Athamનવરાત્રી · આઠમ
Where to see Raksha Bandhan
In Gujarat
- Porbandar and VeravalGujaratThe fishing harbours of Saurashtra on Nariyeli Poonam.
- SomnathGujaratThe Shravan fair of the Jyotirlinga by the sea.
- DwarkaGujaratPriests renew their threads on the Gomti ghat.
Across India
- MumbaiMaharashtraNarali Purnima among the Koli fishing villages.
- AmarnathJammu and KashmirThe yatra to the ice linga ends today.
- PuriOdishaGamha Purnima, the birthday of Balabhadra.