Nepal celebrates Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan today

Today, Nepal is celebrating Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, which are observed every year on the full moon day of Shrawan. On this day, people wear new sacred threads (janai) and tie protective threads (raksha sutra).

From early morning, followers of the Vedic Sanatan tradition bathe in rivers, ponds, or lakes before visiting priests to get the raksha sutra tied. People believe that wearing the blessed sacred thread protects them from negative forces. According to ancient legends, this tradition began when the sage Brihaspati tied a protective thread to help the gods defeat the demon king Bali.

Brahmins tie the raksha sutra on the right wrist of devotees while chanting Vedic mantras. On the same day, men from the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya communities replace their old janai with a new one. This is done after a ritual bath called Shrawani Snan, which involves shaving the head, fasting, and bathing with holy substances like cow dung, ash, and sacred clay. They also offer prayers and water to eight sages, so the day is also called Rishi Tarpani.

The sacred thread is known as the “thread of knowledge” in the Vedic tradition. Major temples across the country, including Pashupatinath, Ashok Vinayak, and many others, see large crowds for these rituals.

Eating kwati, a soup made from nine types of sprouted beans, is also a Janai Purnima tradition. It is believed to improve digestion, protect from diseases, and help the body recover from cold during the rainy season.

In the Terai region, the day is also celebrated as Rakhi Day, when sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. This custom is now spreading to the hilly regions as well.

Pilgrimage sites like Gosainkunda, Kumbheshwar, Panchpokhari, Janakpurdham, and Trivenidham host large gatherings of devotees on this day.