Sama Vedi Upakarma, or Sama Veda Upakarma, is the sacred thread changing ceremony observed by the Brahmin community that follows the Sama Veda – one of the four Vedas. In 2024 date of Sama Upakarma is September 5 - this is as per Srirangam Panchangam. It is observed on the day after Shravan Amavasya. The Upakarma prayoga of Sama Vedi Brahmins is long and different from the Upakarma Prayoga of Rig and Yajur Vedis.
The sacred thread worn by Sama Vedi Brahmins known as ‘Yagnopaveetham’ is changed on this day. The sacred thread Yagnopaveetham is known as Poonol in Malayalam, Jandhyamu in Telugu and Janivaara in Kannada.
The sacred thread worn by Sama Vedi Brahmins known as ‘Yagnopaveetham’ is changed on this day. The sacred thread Yagnopaveetham is known as Poonol in Malayalam, Jandhyamu in Telugu and Janivaara in Kannada.
The ritual is also known by the name of Upanayanam or Upanayana. The followers of Yajur Veda perform it on Shravan Purnima day and it is known as Avani Avittam.
The Upakarma ritual is usually performed by a group of Brahmins in a temple or by the side of a river or sacred pond (Tirth). Today, people also perform the ritual at home
This ritual is not observed by most North Indian Brahmin communities. But some priests and Saints associated with particular sects do perform the thread changing ceremony on the day in North and western parts of India.