People across the Country observing Janai Purnima Festival

August 22, Kathmandu: Janai Purnima Festival is being observed by Hindu communities across the Country with gaiety and fervour.

This day is also called Raksha Bandhan( a sacred thread festival).

Janai means sacred thread and Purnima is full moon. Janai Purnima is a festival celebrated on full moon day of Shrawan or Bhadra month.

On this day, people follow their annual ritual of changing their Janai, the sacred thread, after having a haircut and sacred bath. The ritual celebrations represent the bond of pureness and security.

Janai is a triple cord made of cotton. It is a symbol of body, speech and mind. People also tie sacred thread( doro) around their wrist on this day.

People mainly residing in the Terai region celebrate this festival as Raksha Bandhani or Rakhi. Sisters tie a thread bracelet known as ‘Rakhi’ or ‘Doro’ to their brother’s wrist, wishing them a long life and prosperity. The brothers, in return, offer gifts to their sisters and swear to protect them.

The Newar Community of Nepal celebrates this day as Gunhu Punhi or Kwati Punhi. On this day, Newar people prepare a special delicacy called Kwati, a soup made from nine different beans.

The Government has declared a public holiday on this day.