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Janai Purnima is one of the significant Hindu festivals celebrated across Nepal and some parts of India. It falls on the full moon day in the month of Shrawan. During this festival, people tie a sacred thread around their wrists given Brahmin gurus for protection and well-being.
As the festival lies at the tail end of the monsoon season, families also come together and enjoy Kwati, a special soup made from sprouting lentils. This dish is prepared from nine different types of beans, and is believed to boost health and bring strength, particularly during the monsoon season.
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The festival also represents rebirth and renewal. Hindu men renew their Janai, a sacred thread that symbolizes purity, dedication, and the responsibilities of a Hindu. The Janai is worn across the chest after a ritual known as "Upanayana," which is considered a rite of a rite of maturity for young boys. On this occasion, men renew their commitment to their religious duties by replacing their old Janai with a new one. This ritual is often performed at temples or rivers, where priests chant mantras and conduct ceremonies. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the spiritual path and responsibilities that the individual has vowed to follow.
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Likewise, Janai Purnima is also the day when the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated. "Raksha" means protection, and "Bandhan" means bond. On this day, sisters tie rakhi around the wrists of their brothers. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives. This tradition highlights the love and bond between siblings.
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Moreover, people around Nepal gather to perform their ancient rites in various Shiva temples like Kumbeshwar in Patan, Gosaikunda in Langtang, and Charikot in Dolakha. These rituals are performed to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek blessings for the well-being of loved ones. Many pilgrims trek to sacred lakes in Gosainkunda to take a holy dip in the icy waters. It is believed that bathing in these waters during Janai Purnima cleanses sins and brings blessings.
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Janai Purnima is a day of spiritual renewal, protection, and the strengthening of bonds. Whether through the changing of the sacred thread, the tying of a rakhi, or the pilgrimage to holy sites, the festival brings people together and strengthens cultural and religious ties. It is a time to reflect on the values of duty, love, and commitment that are at the heart of these rituals.
Picture Credit: Wikipedia, Nepal Visit Info, Nepal Toursim Board, Metro
