The word Upakarma means 'beginning', that is, to begin traditional Vedic studies. It is on this day that the Sacred Thread ceremony (Yajnopavitam) is held for the Brahmins, as per the Vedas and rituals. The religious pouring of liquid called libation is performed by them. This is done to their ancestors to whom they owe their birth and to the great Rishis (sages) from whom they acquired the spiritual knowledge and the Vedas. It is believed that the thread changing process indicates breaking of all sins and making a new beginning. Taking a holy dip after the changing of thread during the day also forms part of the ritual.
The main purpose of the Upakarma function is to offer prayers and express our gratitude to those rishis who gave us the Vedas the rishis through whom the Vedic mantras were revealed. These rishis are known as “kaanda rishis”. In the Upakarma Homam as well as in the tharpanam, the offerings are made to the kaanda rishis. In fact, this tharpanam is so important that it is included as part of our daily worship.
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. On this day, a Mahasankalpam or a vow is taken for the atonement of all our sins in the past year.
