Today, the festival of Janai Purnima, also known as Rishi Tarpani, is being celebrated across Nepal, with widespread observance, particularly among the Hindu community. This significant religious event sees the ‘Tagadharis’—those who wear the sacred thread called ‘Janai’—partake in the traditional ritual of changing the thread after performing a haircut and bath.
On this day, Hindus also receive the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ thread, a protective amulet tied around the wrist. The thread, typically yellow, is blessed by Brahmin priests through the chanting of mantras, symbolizing protection from fear and disease, according to theologians.
The Newar community celebrates this occasion as ‘Kwati Purnima,’ where a special dish called ‘Kwati,’ a nourishing soup made from nine different beans, is prepared and enjoyed.
In the Terai region, the festival is observed with sisters tying colorful ‘Rakhis’ around the wrists of their brothers, wishing them long life and prosperity, in a tradition akin to Raksha Bandhan.
Thousands of devotees are flocking to Lord Shiva temples, including Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur, and other Shiva temples across the country. Many pilgrims take holy dips in ponds, lakes, and rivers, seeking spiritual purification.
Religious fairs are being held at various sacred sites, including Gosaikunda in the Rasuwa district and Triveni in Jumla district, where offerings are made to Lord Shiva. The fair at Gosaikunda Lake is particularly significant, attracting pilgrims from far and wide who come to take a holy dip in the lake and nearby bodies of water.
Other notable locations hosting religious fairs include Pashupati and Manichud in Kathmandu; Gosaikunda in Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur; Panchpokhari in Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar, and Ganga Sagar in Dhanusha; Dansanghu in Jumla; and Trivenidham in Nawalparasi.
In recognition of the festival’s importance, the government has declared a public holiday today, allowing people across the country to participate in the festivities.
