Raksha Bandhan is also knwon ast the
Nariyal Purnima or
Coconut Full Moon in the Western parts of India that includes the states of
Gujarat,
Maharashtra,
Goa and
Karnataka. Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the beginning of a new season for the fishing community who is dependent on sea for its livelihood. On the occasion of Nariyal Purnima, the sea God Varuna is worshipped by the people to invoke his blessings. Since the festival involves the offerings of coconuts to the sea God, it is called the Nariyal Purnima.
On the
Rakhi Purnima people pray to God for forgiveness for their past mistakes and sins. This ceremony is called
Pavitropana. In the ceremony a few twisted threads of cotton are drenched in
panchagaivya (a mixture of cow ghee, milk, curd, urine and excreta) and then wrapped around the Shivalingas. The twisted threads of cotton are immersed in the panchgaivya for purification.