Janai Purnima: A Festival of Sacred Bonds and Divine Protection

Kathmandu, August 31, 2023 - Hindu people in Nepal today are celebrating Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, which is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and zeal. This auspicious day is observed on the full moon day and holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. The Janai Purnima festival symbolizes the sacred bond between siblings, divine protection, and respect for spiritual guides.

It blends two distinct rituals: Janai changing and Raksha Bandhan. Janai refers to the sacred thread worn by Brahmins and Kshatriyas after an initiation ceremony called Upanayana or Bratabandha. On Janai Purnima, they change their line, purifying themselves physically and spiritually. This changing of the sacred thread signifies discarding old impurities while embracing new beginnings.

Raksha Bandhan, on the other hand, is a celebration of sibling bonds, particularly between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective amulet called 'Rakhi' around their brother's wrists, symbolizing their love and prayers for his well-being, while brothers promise to protect their sisters from all adversities.

One cannot speak of Janai Purnima without mentioning its close connection to food culture. In Nepal specifically, 'Kwati' - a nutritious soup made with nine different beans - has become an integral part of this celebration. Consumption of Kwati is believed to boost health during monsoon months when digestive issues are common.

Many devotees utilize Janai Purnima as an opportunity to visit sacred Hindu temples and perform rituals. In Nepal, large gatherings can be seen at holy sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Kumbeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Gosaikunda Lake. Taking ritualistic dips in these holy rivers and lakes is believed to cleanse sins and bless the devotees.