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The full moon day of the month of Shravan is celebrated with
characteristic fervour in different parts of Maharashtra
and is known variously as Narali Pournima, Shravani Pournima, Rakhi
Pournima or Raksha Bandhan. 'Naral' means 'coconut', and Narali Pournima
is thus called because people make offerings of coconuts to the sea-god on
this day.
This festival comes at the fag end of the monsoons in Maharashtra, and
offering coconuts to the sea is a sign that the monsoons are over. Narali
Pournima also marks the advent of the new fishing season and fishermen
appease the sea-god before sailing out in their decorated boats. A prayer
is made to the sea-god that he may allow fishermen to go to sea and fish
again safely.
This festival coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The festival
is a day of singing and dancing. On this day, sweet coconut rice is made
and eaten.