Janai Purnima Being Celebrated Across the Country Today

The festival of 'Janai Purnima,' also known as 'Rishi Tarpani,' is being celebrated across the country today. The festival is mainly observed by the Hindus. It is also celebrated by all ethnic communities in their own way.

On this day, those who wear the 'Janai' (sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread after having a haircut and bath.

Traditionally, Hindus receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests and is believed to offer protection from fear and disease. Theologians explain that the occasion is also observed as 'Kwati Purnima' by the Newar community, who prepare a special delicacy called Kwati—a soup made from nine different beans.

In the Terai region, sisters tie an attractive 'Rakhi' around their brothers' wrists, wishing them long life and prosperity.

Today, thousands of devotees worship Lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur, and other Shiva temples across the country, taking holy dips in ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Triveni in Jumla district, where offerings are made to Lord Shiva. A large religious fair takes place at Gosainkunda Lake, attracting pilgrims from distant places to take a holy dip in this lake and others nearby. Traditional shamans (jhakris and dhamis) flock to Gosainkunda and Kumbheshwar on this occasion.

Religious fairs are organized at Pashupati and Manichud in Kathmandu; Gosainkunda in Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur; Panchpokhari in Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar, and Ganga Sagar in Dhanusha; Dansanghu in Jumla; and Trivenidham in Nawalparasi.

The government has declared today a public holiday. -- RSS