Avani Avittam - an important ritual for Brahmin Community

(Attachement files contributed by G. Mony, Alapuzha. Originals compiled by P. R. Ramachander)

Avani Avittam is an important ritual associated with the Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 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. This year, the date of Avani Avittam is 24th of August and the date of Gayathri Japam is 25th August.

Yajur Vedi Upakarma Avani Avittam is on 24th August and Rig Vedi Upakarma and Avani Avittam is on 23rd August this year.

On the day of Avani Avittam, the sacred thread worn is changed and it is usually a community observance and takes place on the banks of a pond or river. Avani is the name of the Tamil month and Avittam is one of the 27 nakshatras or stars. Chingam is the equivalent Malayalam month.

Gayatri Japam Sankalmpam is noted for the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra for 1008 or 108 times. Sama Vedi Brahmins perform the ritual the day after Shravan Amavasi.

Please find the attachments for more details.

For Rig Vedi Avani Avittam, please click http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B2ELrHH7x9NCYmU4MjEyZmItMDg4Yi00NjQ4LTljOWQtODkwNjY4MTc3NTc0&hl=en&authkey=CL-h4pQF

For Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam, please click http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B2ELrHH7x9NCOWY4ODUzMTAtN2MxOC00NzA1LWFjOTQtNTBiMTNjZDNlZTJl&hl=en&authkey=CJ_XnckC
 For Sama Vedi Avani Avittam, please click http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B2ELrHH7x9NCNDI1ODMwMjEtMTg5Mi00MWE5LWI1ZjItMTk4NzQ2ODdkNTJj&hl=en&authkey=CJGu4rIF