Narali Purnima Festival - नारळी पूर्णिमा
The state of Maharashtra is flanked by the azure stretch of the Arabian Sea. A substantial portion of the population of the state depends on the sea for a livelihood. Many fishermen go out to the sea regularly to earn their living. In addition to this, the Hindus look upon the sea as the purest among all bodies of water. In fact their reverence for the sea goes to the extent of regarding it as a symbol of all places of pilgrimage. So on this particular day they express their gratitude and pay their respect to the sea.
Of all the Fairs and Festivals in Maharashtra, this is one such festival where the greater share of fervor and enthusiasm is shown by the people belonging to the coastline. It is believed that Varuna or the sea god protects the sailors from any kind of impending doom. The people religiously offer their prayers to him so that he continues doing such favours. The prime offering constitutes coconuts. It is popularly known as Shirpal or the divine fruit. This fruit is believed to be full of symbolism. It has food and drink, both of which are required for human nourishment. Apart from that, it has a hard covering which is indicative of the fact that nothing can be obtained easily; any fruit can only be enjoyed only after persistent efforts.
The timing of the festival coincides with the ending of the monsoons. This marks the beginning of a new fishing season. That is why the fishermen all the more pray to Varuna and seek his blessings before starting anew. On the occasion of the celebration of this festival, they decorate their boats beautifully before setting out in them for the ocean. They strongly believe that every thing will go on smoothly only if Varuna is pleased with them and so they devoutly offer their prayers.
Part of the celebrations includes preparing a sweet dish with rice and coconut. It is later shared and distributed amongst friends, relatives and acquaintances and eaten by the all as Prasad. To conclude, we can say that Narali Purnima is celebrated with much mirth and ardor.
Of all the Fairs and Festivals in Maharashtra, this is one such festival where the greater share of fervor and enthusiasm is shown by the people belonging to the coastline. It is believed that Varuna or the sea god protects the sailors from any kind of impending doom. The people religiously offer their prayers to him so that he continues doing such favours. The prime offering constitutes coconuts. It is popularly known as Shirpal or the divine fruit. This fruit is believed to be full of symbolism. It has food and drink, both of which are required for human nourishment. Apart from that, it has a hard covering which is indicative of the fact that nothing can be obtained easily; any fruit can only be enjoyed only after persistent efforts.
The timing of the festival coincides with the ending of the monsoons. This marks the beginning of a new fishing season. That is why the fishermen all the more pray to Varuna and seek his blessings before starting anew. On the occasion of the celebration of this festival, they decorate their boats beautifully before setting out in them for the ocean. They strongly believe that every thing will go on smoothly only if Varuna is pleased with them and so they devoutly offer their prayers.
Part of the celebrations includes preparing a sweet dish with rice and coconut. It is later shared and distributed amongst friends, relatives and acquaintances and eaten by the all as Prasad. To conclude, we can say that Narali Purnima is celebrated with much mirth and ardor.