Janai Purnima in Nepal

Janai Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated with much fervor in Nepal, usually falling in the month of Shrawan or August on the full moon day (Purnima). This festival holds a dual significance, marking the renewal of the sacred thread (Janai) and also being celebrated as Raksha Bandhan.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• Sacred Thread Ceremony: The 'Janai' is a cotton string worn across the chest by Brahmin and Chhetri men. It symbolizes body protection and spiritual purity. Traditionally, it is given during a religious ceremony called 'Bratabandha', which is akin to a coming-of-age ritual.
• Raksha Bandhan: On this day, sisters tie a protective thread (Rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists to symbolize their loving bond and pray for their long life.

Traditions:

• Men from Brahmin and Chhetri communities perform ritual baths and change their Janai after reading the Gayatri Mantra.
• People visit temples, particularly those dedicated to Lord Shiva, like the Kumbeshwar temple in Patan.
• Shamans (Dhamis/Jhankris) gather at pilgrimage sites like Gosainkunda for their annual shamanistic festival.
• 'Doro', colorful cotton strings, are tied around wrists by both men and women as protection against evil spirits.

Activities on Janai Purnima:

• Families prepare special dishes like Kwati, a soup made from sprouted beans.
• Newar community observes this day as Kwati Purnima where they consume Kwati.
• People often go on pilgrimages to holy sites.
• Fairs happen near temples with traditional music, dance, and food stalls.