Nariel Purnima / Nariyal Poornima or coconut day in August is a festival that marks the end of the monsoons and is celebrated by the Maharashtra's fisher folk. This festival is important for those who depend on sea for their livelihood. On this day the sea god, Varun is worshiped. The coconuts are offered to the sea god thus the name Narial purnima or the coconut full moon. It is said that as the coconut has three eyes it symbolizes Lord Shiva - the three eyed God.

For the fishermen this is the beginning of the new fishing season. Boats are painted, little oil lamps lit and set afloat amidst the waves and carried in the boats, and coconut are broken against their bows as an offering to the Sea God and the seas are set afloat with garlands of flowers as the new fishing season begins. The decorated coconuts are thrown in the water with prayers of a plentiful fish catch. It is the festival time for the people of the coastal areas. It is a community gathering. The fishermen celebrate together, sing and dance together.

The Administration of Daman and Diu and west zone cultural centre celebrate this event at Daman as a regional festival. Hundreds of tourists come to Daman to witness a variety of colourful water sports and to attend the cultural programmes put up by the west zone culture centre. One of the highlights is the coconut food festival organized as part of the celebration.