The full moon day of the month of Shravan is
celebrated as Narali Poornimawith 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 Pournmia is thus called because offerings of coconuts are made by
people to the sea-god on this day. Narali Pournima also marks the advent of the
new fishing season and fishermen appease the sea-god before sailing out in
their gaily-decorated boats. The festival is a day of singing and dancing.
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