Table of Contents
Narali Purnima, also known as Nariyal Purnima, is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated primarily in the coastal regions of Maharashtra and the Konkani belt of India. Falling on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, Narali Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the fishing season for the coastal communities. The festival is deeply intertwined with the livelihood and beliefs of the fishing community, particularly the Koli people, who offer prayers and rituals to Lord Varun, the Sea God, to ensure their safety and prosperity as they embark on their journey into the sea.
The term “Narali” is derived from the word “Nariyal,” meaning coconut, which plays a central role in the rituals performed during this festival. Coconuts are offered to the sea as a mark of respect and gratitude, symbolizing protection, creativity, and the seeking of blessings from the divine. This act of offering is not only a religious ritual but also a reflection of the deep connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of respecting the environment that sustains them.
Narali Purnima is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of the harmonious relationship between man and nature. It is a day when the coastal communities come together in a display of unity and devotion, repairing their fishing nets, decorating their boats, and engaging in traditional music, dance, and feasting. The festival also holds significance for the Brahmin community in Maharashtra, who observe the day by performing the Shravani Upakarma ritual and fasting, consuming only coconut-based foods.
In 2024, Narali Purnima will be celebrated on Monday, August 19th, and it is expected to bring together people from various walks of life to honor the age-old traditions that have been passed down through generations. The festival also coincides with other significant Hindu observances such as Raksha Bandhan and Shravani Purnima, making it a day of multiple cultural and religious activities.
Understanding Narali Purnima is essential for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of India, particularly the traditions of Maharashtra. This set of General Knowledge (GK) questions on Narali Purnima 2024 is designed to provide insights into the history, rituals, and significance of the festival, offering a comprehensive overview that will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this unique cultural celebration.
Also Check: GK Quiz Question & Answers on Krishna Janmashtami 2024
GK Questions on Narali Purnima 2024
Ques. What is another name for Narali Purnima?
Answer: Nariyal Purnima
Ques. Which community celebrates Narali Purnima with great fervor?
Answer: Fishing community
Ques. Which state in India primarily celebrates Narali Purnima?
Answer: Maharashtra
Ques. On which day does Narali Purnima fall in 2024?
Answer: Monday, August 19, 2024
Ques. What is the main offering made during Narali Purnima?
Answer: Coconut
Ques. Which God is worshiped during Narali Purnima?
Answer: Lord Varun, the Sea God
Ques. What does the word ‘Narali’ signify?
Answer: Coconut
Ques. Which full moon day is Narali Purnima associated with?
Answer: Shravana Purnima
Ques. What does the festival of Narali Purnima mark the end of?
Answer: Monsoon season
Ques. What is the significance of offering coconuts to the sea during Narali Purnima?
Answer: To seek protection and good fortune
Ques. Which ritual do Maharashtrian Brahmins perform on Narali Purnima?
Answer: Shravani Upakarma
Ques. What kind of fast do Brahmins observe on Narali Purnima?
Answer: Phalahar fast (consuming only coconut)
Ques. What is the significance of planting trees on Narali Purnima?
Answer: To show respect and gratitude towards nature
Ques. What is the main reason fishermen celebrate Narali Purnima?
Answer: To pray for safety and protection during their fishing season
Ques. What kind of traditional food is prepared on Narali Purnima?
Answer: Coconut-based dishes like Narali Bhaat (coconut rice)
Ques. What is the significance of the full moon during Narali Purnima?
Answer: It is considered an auspicious time for performing rituals
Ques. Which festival coincides with Narali Purnima?
Answer: Raksha Bandhan
Ques. What does offering coconut to the sea symbolize during Narali Purnima?
Answer: Creativity and protection
Also Check: GK Questions on Kajari Teej 2024
Ques. Which mantra is chanted during Narali Purnima?
Answer: Om Vam Varunaya Namah
Ques. How is the sea related to the festival of Narali Purnima?
Answer: The sea is worshipped as it is a source of livelihood for fishermen
Ques. What are the planetary positions during Narali Purnima?
Answer: The transiting Sun and Moon are placed in opposition, causing high tides
Ques. What is the significance of the new thread (Upakarma) ritual during Narali Purnima?
Answer: It is believed to protect against evil and bring positive energy
Ques. Which region apart from Maharashtra also celebrates Narali Purnima?
Answer: Konkani region
Ques. What time does the Purnima Tithi begin on August 19, 2024?
Answer: 3:04 AM
Ques. What time does the Purnima Tithi end on August 19, 2024?
Answer: 11:55 PM
Ques. What kind of dance and music are associated with Narali Purnima?
Answer: Traditional folk songs and dances
Ques. What do fishermen do before the festival of Narali Purnima?
Answer: Repair their fishing nets and boats
Ques. What is the cultural significance of Narali Purnima?
Answer: It is a celebration of the relationship between humans and nature
Ques. Why do people in coastal Maharashtra plant trees on Narali Purnima?
Answer: To express gratitude towards nature
Ques. Which festival shares the same day as Narali Purnima?
Answer: Shravani Purnima
Ques. What is the significance of offering coconut to Lord Varun?
Answer: To appease the Sea God and ensure a safe fishing season
Ques. What ritual is performed by the fishermen after completing the puja?
Answer: They sail in the sea in their decorated boats
Ques. What do people exchange during the celebration of Narali Purnima?
Answer: Sweets made from coconut
Also Check: GK Questions on Sadbhavana Diwas
Ques. Which Hindu deity is also worshiped during the month of Shravana?
Answer: Lord Shiva
Ques. What kind of food do people avoid during Narali Purnima?
Answer: Grains and cereals
Ques. What do the three eyes of a coconut represent in Hindu belief?
Answer: The three eyes of Lord Shiva
Ques. Why is the sea considered holy by fishermen?
Answer: Because it is a means of their survival
Ques. What is the environmental message associated with Narali Purnima?
Answer: Respect and gratitude towards nature
Ques. Which other Hindu festival is celebrated along with Narali Purnima?
Answer: Kajari Purnima
Ques. What does the festival of Narali Purnima signify for the coming year?
Answer: A year filled with happiness, joy, and wealth
GK Quiz on Narali Purnima 2024
Ques. What is Narali Purnima primarily dedicated to?
a) Lord Shiva
b) Lord Vishnu
c) Lord Varun
d) Lord Brahma
Answer: c) Lord Varun
Ques. Which festival coincides with Narali Purnima?
a) Holi
b) Diwali
c) Raksha Bandhan
d) Janmashtami
Answer: c) Raksha Bandhan
Ques. What is the main offering during Narali Purnima?
a) Flowers
b) Fruits
c) Coconut
d) Sweets
Answer: c) Coconut
Ques. In which state is Narali Purnima predominantly celebrated?
a) Gujarat
b) Kerala
c) Maharashtra
d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: c) Maharashtra
Also Check: GK Questions on Parsi New Year 2024
Ques. On which date will Narali Purnima be celebrated in 2024?
a) August 15
b) August 18
c) August 19
d) August 20
Answer: c) August 19
Ques. Which community celebrates Narali Purnima as a major festival?
a) Farmers
b) Fishermen
c) Traders
d) Priests
Answer: b) Fishermen
Ques. What does the word ‘Narali’ mean?
a) Coconut
b) Moon
c) Water
d) Sun
Answer: a) Coconut
Ques. What kind of fast do Brahmins observe on Narali Purnima?
a) Water fast
b) Fruit fast
c) Grain fast
d) Milk fast
Answer: b) Fruit fast
Ques. What kind of dishes are prepared during Narali Purnima?
a) Rice dishes
b) Sweets
c) Coconut-based dishes
d) Lentils
Answer: c) Coconut-based dishes
Ques. What is the Purnima Tithi time span on August 19, 2024?
a) 3:04 AM to 11:55 PM
b) 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM
c) 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
d) 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Answer: a) 3:04 AM to 11:55 PM
Ques. What does offering a coconut to the sea during Narali Purnima symbolize?
a) Wealth
b) Creativity
c) Health
d) Prosperity
Answer: b) Creativity
Ques. Which deity is also worshiped during the month of Shravana, apart from Lord Varun?
a) Lord Ganesha
b) Lord Vishnu
c) Lord Shiva
d) Lord Brahma
Answer: c) Lord Shiva
Ques. What ritual do fishermen perform before Narali Purnima?
a) Boat decorating
b) Net repairing
c) House cleaning
d) Painting houses
Answer: b) Net repairing
Also Check: GK Questions on Nag Panchami 2024
Ques. Which festival is known as the ‘Coconut Day’?
a) Diwali
b) Holi
c) Narali Purnima
d) Makar Sankranti
Answer: c) Narali Purnima
Ques. What do people plant on Narali Purnima to show respect to nature?
a) Banyan trees
b) Coconut trees
c) Neem trees
d) Mango trees
Answer: b) Coconut trees
Ques. Which mantra is recited during Narali Purnima?
a) Om Namah Shivaya
b) Om Vam Varunaya Namah
c) Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
d) Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Answer: b) Om Vam Varunaya Namah
Ques. What is the planetary position during Narali Purnima that affects the sea?
a) Moon and Mars conjunction
b) Sun and Moon opposition
c) Sun and Venus conjunction
d) Moon and Saturn conjunction
Answer: b) Sun and Moon opposition
Ques. Which region apart from Maharashtra celebrates Narali Purnima?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Goa
c) Gujarat
d) Odisha
Answer: b) Goa
Ques. What do fishermen do after performing the puja on Narali Purnima?
a) Start fishing
b) Sing and dance
c) Visit temples
d) Perform yagna
Answer: b) Sing and dance
Ques. What is the environmental message associated with Narali Purnima?
a) Save water
b) Reduce pollution
c) Respect and protect nature
d) Plant more trees
Answer: c) Respect and protect nature
