The prayer is offered for washing away all sins and gaining the divine blessings to carry out the basic duties of a Brahmin as prescribed in the Vedic texts.

The first step is to offer prayers as a remedy for the sins. They take a holy dip and wear the new sacred thread called Yajnopavit or the Poonool. Men undertake a Sankalpa or a vow for the sacrament of all the sins in the past. Some people perform this ritual in their homes. On this day, the male members of the Brahmins family change their sacred thread, usually on the banks of the rivers or ponds or in temples. Rituals of Avani AvittamĪvani Avittam is the most auspicious day for the Brahmin community. The Yajur Vedic Brahmins begin their 6-month-long reading of the Yajur Veda on this day, and they complete reading during the Makara (mid-Jan to mid-Feb) month.

‘Upakarmam’ signifies the beginning of the study of Vedas. Sometimes, this might fall on Ganesha Chaturthi.Irrespective of the Veda, Gayatri Japa is observed by everyone on the day after Yajur Upakarma (the day Yajur Vedic Brahmins observe Upakarma). Sama Vedic Brahmins observe Upakarma in Bhadrapada (mid-Aug to mid-Sep) on Hasta Nakshatra Tritiya (third waxing lunar phase). This ritual is also known as Upakarma (beginning). On the next day, Gayatri Japa Sankalpam (chanting of the Gayatri mantra) is observed. This day is of great significance to Rig and Yajur Vedic Brahmins. This is a very important ritual of the Brahmin community and is celebrated by all Brahmins globally.

The day ruled by the star Avittam during the month of Avani, coinciding with the Purnima ( full moon day) is celebrated as Avani Avittam. Avittam is the 23rd star among the 27 Nakshatras (stars). Avani denotes the Tamil month that falls between mid-August and mid-September.

Sama veda avani avittam 2014