Avani Avittam 2009
Avani Avittam is an ancient and important ritual performed by the Brahmin community in the South Indian states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka), and in some parts of Orissa and Maharashtra, on the day of Shravan Poornima. The day is of great significance to Yajur Vedi Brahmins. On the next day, Gayatri Japa Sankalmpam is observed. In other parts of South India, the observance is known as Upakarma. On the Avani Avittam, day the sacred thread worn by the Brahmins is changed and it is usually a community observance and takes place on the banks of a pond. Avani is the name of the Tamil month and Avittam is one of the 27 nakshatras or stars. Chingam is the equivalent Malayalam month.