Upakarma festival is solely for the men. The others also join in by preparing delicious food as naivedhyam / blessed food and eating together. This festivals falls on Shravana Nakshatra (a star) on the full moon day of Hindu month Shravana. August – September in Gregorian calendar. This festival is celebrated on different days by followers of Rigveda and Yajurveda based on the occurring of Shravana nakshathra according to their predictions. For the festival date click here.
On this day, Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya men change the old yajnopavita (sacred thread worn during the upanayana/munji/sacred thread ceremony).
They worship the saptha (seven) rishis (sages) and pray for prosperity. They chant the Gayathri Mantra before and after wearing the sacred thread.
Picture – Kayi Bella
Cooked vermicelli and Kayi Bella / coconut mixed with jaggery is offered as naivedhyam.
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the upakarma ritual is significant to renew the learning process throughout life.We worship the 7 rishis,followed by homa,the most important part of the ritual is the pitru ,rishi and deva tarpana.the mantras for rig vedis and yajur vedis and sama vedis is different.The mantras include recitation of all branches of learning like vyakarana,mimama ,tarka,ETC.before changing the yagnopavitha,we have to give dana of yagnopavitha to someone and them wear the new one after giving one as aahuthi in the homa.the ritual is like renewing your driving license in so far as learning is concerned.
what is the festival that has people all covered in bright coloured paints
thank you for your answer
Marianne
Hi Marianne,
Holi is the festival of colors during which people play with colors. This is a very popular festival is north India. To read more about Holi, please click on the link below: http://www.itslife.in/2008/03/holi
Regards,
Shantha
dear sir
CAN UPANAYAN SANSKAR BE PERFORMED ON SHRAVAN SHUKLA POORNIMA
PLZ REPLY
Dhruv, please ask priests at any temple they will be able to guide you.
Regards,
Shantha