WHAT IS UPAKARMA?
Upākarma is conducted once a year during the month of shravana when all those who have undergone upanayanan, ritually change their sacred thread accompanied by relevant rituals, making offerings to the rishis.
The day, also called Śrāvana Pūrnima "Full Moon of Śrāvana" in other parts of India, usually occurs the day after the Śravana nákṣatra, which also marks the Onam festival of Kerala.
On the following day, usually coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival in Northern and Central India, the Gayatri Mantra is recited 1008 times.
SAMAGRI REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPANTS
Sandhyavandan Kit & Agnikarya Kit
Samidha Sticks
Sacred Thread New (Yagyopavitam)
Sandal wood paste (Chandan)
Kumkum Powder (Red powder made from turmuric)
Turmuric Powder (Haldi Powder)
Rice grains (Akshat)
Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
Kapoor (Camphor)
Some Flowers (Phool)
**Black Sesame Seeds (Kaala Tila) - Only for those whose parents have passed away.