Travel Guides

Celebration of Janai Purnima Festival

Janai Purnima festival in Nepal is a deeply significant celebration, deeply embedded in the country’s rich cultural and religious traditions. The name “Janai Purnima” combines two Nepali words: “Janai,” referring to a sacred thread worn by Hindu men, and “Purnima,” meaning the full moon. The festival is observed on the full moon day of the month of Shrawan, typically in August, though the exact date varies. It marks the beginning of Nepal’s vibrant festival season.

Janai Purnima festival holds particular importance for Hindu men who wear the sacred thread, or Janai. On this day, they wake up early to bathe in a river or pond, a ritual believed to cleanse both body and soul. Following the bath, they perform prayers and rituals under the guidance of a priest, who then replaces their old Janai with a new one. This renewal of the Janai symbolizes a recommitment to a life of purity, self-discipline, and adherence to religious duties.

janai purnima festival in nepal

Another key aspect of the Janai Purnima festival is the tying of a sacred thread, known as “Doro” or “Raksha Bandhan,” around the wrist. This thread, tied by the family priest or an elder, is believed to offer protection and bring good fortune. The practice is not limited to men; women and children also participate, making Janai Purnima a widely inclusive celebration across Nepal.

Janai Purnima festival also coincides with the Newar community’s celebration of “Kwati Purnima,” where a special dish made from nine types of sprouted beans, called “Kwati,” is prepared. This nutritious dish is believed to boost the immune system, aligning with the festival’s themes of renewal and protection. As various communities across Nepal observe Janai Purnima festival in their own unique ways, Janai Purnima emerges as a day that reinforces cultural identity and religious faith throughout the nation.

celebrations of gai jatra festival in kathmandu valley

Myths and stories behind the Janai Purnima festival in Nepal:

Traditionally, the practice of wearing a Janai (sacred thread) has been associated with Brahmins, Chhetris, and Vaishyas. However, today, the custom has expanded, allowing all men and women the freedom to wear it. Donning the Janai is considered essential for performing the 16 rites of passage, known as ‘Samskaras,’ in human life.

Hindu mythology contains numerous references to Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, suggesting that in ancient times, people of all castes, both men and women, followed the tradition of wearing a Janai. Even today, during religious ceremonies like Laxmi Puja, Durga Puja, and Swasthani Puja, Hindus offer Janai to the deities, symbolizing that the divine beings themselves wear it. The Janai is believed to channel direct energy from the Sun God, and the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra during this ritual is thought to enhance mental, physical, and spiritual focus.

Kwati Punhi: Celebrated by the Newari community of Nepal:

Kwati Punhi is a significant festival celebrated by the Newar community in Nepal, particularly those from the Kathmandu Valley. Unlike the typical Janai Purnima festival in Nepal celebration, where a sacred thread (Janai) is worn, the Newars do not wear the Janai during this festival. Instead, they observe Janai Purnima as “Kwati Eating Day” and also celebrate Gunhu Punhi. On this day, after an early morning bath, they visit a nearby shrine where a priest ties a “Dora” (thread) around their wrist.

janai purnima festival in nepal

The day is marked by the preparation of a special dish called “Kwati,” a mixed bean soup, which is enjoyed at home after the Dora is tied. The following day, the Newars observe Gai Jatra, another important festival in the Kathmandu Valley. As part of the rituals, the Dora tied on the wrist is fastened to a cow’s tail. According to traditional beliefs, the cow is said to guide the souls of the deceased to heaven, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.

Certifications and Affiliations

npl

Registered with: Company Registration Office, Government of Nepal

ntb

Licensed by: Department of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board

taan

Proud Member of Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal

nma

General Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association