Upakarma or Avani Avittam is a vedic ritual practiced by the Brahmins. Upakarma is conducted once a year during the Shravana maasa, when Brahmins ritually cahgne their Upanayanam (sacred thread) accompanied by relevant Shrautha offerings to the rishis, whom they believe composed the vedic hymns. On the following day, the Gayathri Mantra is recited 1008 or 108 times.
Traditional learners of Yajur Veda observe the Yajur Upakarma in the month of Shravana on the full moon day. Yajur upakarma is held on the full-moon day that comes before the new-moon day of the month of Shravana (Aavani). They do Upakarma on the previous day if Pournami spans two days.
