Avani Avittam

Rakhi Purnima is celebrated as Avani Avittam in southern India, especially in kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and a few parts of Orissa. This day is also called as Upakarman and is considered a very important day for the Brahmin society. On this day, Brahmins change the sacred thread, called the yagnopavitam while chanting mantras. This change signifies atonement for sins done in the past. Putting on a new thread signifies a promise to self for a better conduct in the future.