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Upakarma 2024 date - Yajur - Rig - Sama Vedi Brahmins - Gayatri Japam - Avani Avittam

Upakarma is a highly auspicious ceremony for the Hindu Brahmin community. The Upakarma dates in 2024 are August 19 (Rig) and August 19 (Yajur). In 2024, Sama Vedi Upakarma is on September 5. It is the day the sacred thread worn by Brahmins known as ‘Yagnopaveetham’ is changed. There are Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda and they have separate dates for Upakarma. The ritual is also known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Gayatri Japam is another important ritual part of the ritual.

Gayatri Japam - Avani Avittam

Rig Vedi Upakarma is observed a day before Shravan Purnima this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2024, the date is August 19.

Yajur Vedi Upakarma is observed on Shravan Purnima day (Full moon day in Sawan month) this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Yajur Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2024, the date is August 19.

Gayatri Japam is on August 20. (know more about Gayatri Japam here)

Sama Vedi Upakarma is observed on the day after Shravan Amavasya (No moon day in Sawan month). Brahmins who are the followers of Sama Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2024, the date is September 5.



Legend has it that Lord Hayagriva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, got back the Vedas stolen by the Asuras (Demons) on the Shravan Purnima day.

Upakarma means ‘the beginning.’ After a holy dip in a sacred river or pond or Tritha, male Brahmins change the sacred thread and wear a new one. Symbolically the ritual means a new beginning.
Students also begin the study of the Vedas on this day.

The sacred thread Yagnopaveetham is known as Jandhyam in Telugu and Janivara in Kannada.

The Brahmins who follow the Sama Veda follow it three days after Shravan Amavasya.

The day after Upakarma, is the day for the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

Brahmins in North India does not have the annual ritual of changing the sacred thread.

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