The full moon day (purnima or pournima) of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravan is celebrated as Narali paurnima, Rakshabandhan and at certain times, as Shravani.

Narali purnima

Significance

	A confluence of rivers is purer (sattvik) than a river. But the sea is the purest among all bodies of water. As a Sanskrut quote goes, “The sea symbolizes all the places of pilgrimage.”
	Worship of the sea on this day signifies worship of Lord Varun (Deity of rain). Sea transportation of cargo occurs smoothly only if Lord Varun is pleased. Hence Lord Varun is worshiped on this day.

Celebration    

	On this day, people residing in coastal regions worship the sea as a form of the divine principle, Varun and offer coconuts (naral). Offering coconuts on this day is both auspicious and symbolic of the energy of Creation.
	Sweet rice made with coconuts is also partaken as Holy sacrament (prasad).

Shravani

    If on the full moon day of this month, the lunar asterism ‘Shravan’ is present, then the Vedic ritual called ‘Shravani’ is performed on this day. Shravani is a ritual in which one resumes leaning and teaching after a long vacation. It is also called ‘Upakarma’, ‘Upakaran’, etc. It should be performed on different days, depending on the followers of the various Vedas. For details about this ritual, refer to the Sanatan’s volume, ‘Holy Festivals, Religious Festivals and Vowed Religious Observances (Vrate)’, compiled by Dr. Jayant Athavale and Dr. (Mrs.) Kunda Athavale.

    For any Holy or religious occasion to bring maximum spiritual benefit, in terms of increased motivation and energy for spiritual practice, Bliss, peace, etc., and reduction in obstacles to it, the occasion has to be observed as per the science of Spirituality and with spiritual emotion (bhav). Hence, even if one does not have access to the sea, Rakhis or other components/materials for celebrating the festival as per the science of Spirituality, one can at least celebrate it with due reverence and spiritual emotion. One can do so by remaining in sattvik activities like attending satsang, participating in satseva, as well as chanting* as much as possible through out the day.

* Repeating God’s Name as per one’s religion