Gayatri Japam is a very glorious and holy day for Hindus. It is observed just after Shravana Purnima (full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana) as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This date corresponds to the months of July-August in the Gregorian calendar.
On the auspicious day of Gayatri Japam, also known as ‘Gayatri Japa Sankalpam’, the Sama Vedi, Rig and Yajur Brahmins chant the Gayatri mantra with utmost devotion and dedication. In the Southern states of India, this ritual forms a part of the Avani Avittam and Upakarma rituals.
During this ritual Brahmins who wear the ‘janeyu’ or the sacred thread, chant the Gayatri mantra 108 times. The Gayatri Japam day is celebrated with full fervour all across India and is popularly called as Gayatri Padyami or Gayatri Pratipada in the Telangana and Andhra regions as it falls on the Padyami or Pratipada tithi.
