Rishitarpani, Rakshyabandhan, Janaipurnima festival marked

Kathmandu, Aug 9: The festival of Rishitarpani, Rakshyabandhan or ‘Janaipurnima’ festival was marked across the country today by changing Janai (the sacred thread) around the men’s body from the left shoulder to right after having a bath. The festival is also observed by Nepalis abroad. This festival is basically observed by the Hindus in the country.

According to tradition, Hindu people receive the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet.

On this day, offerings are made to seven great sages namely Kashyap, Atri, Bhardwaj, Gautam, Jamadagni, Bashishtha and Bishwasmitra, which literally means Rishitarpani.

As per the Vedic tradition, Janai is considered as a thread of knowledge.

Likewise, Kwati, a soup prepared from 11 different varieties of beans, was taken as a special delicacy today.

In the Tarai region, this day was celebrated by giving ‘Rakhi’ from the sisters to their brothers around the wrist of the brothers wishing them long life and prosperity.

Today, thousands of devotees worshipped lord Shiva at Pashupatinath, Gokarneshwor, Doleshwor, Santaneshwor and other Shiva temples in the Kathmandu Valley and across the country too.

Religious fairs were held at Gosainkunda, an alpine pilgrimage site in Rasuwa district, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva.

Furthermore, religious fairs were organized at Panchpokhari of Sindhupalchok, Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar of Dhanusha, Dansanghu of Jumla and Trivenidham of Nawalparasi.