Janai Purnima Festival in Nepal: Rituals, Myths and More
Janai Purnima, marking the end of rice plantation and the beginning of Nepal’s festive season, is a significant Hindu celebration. Falling in the holy month of Shrawan/Bhadra (July-August), the festival’s name combines “janai” (sacred thread) and “purnima” (full moon). On this day, many Hindus, particularly those of upper castes, change or don their sacred thread. However, the festival’s appeal extends beyond this ritual, with various ethnic groups across Nepal celebrating in their unique ways. This diversity of observance makes Janai Purnima a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, reflecting the country’s vibrant heritage and religious harmony.
Janai and its significance
The janai, a sacred cotton thread, holds profound spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. Worn by Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya males, it is bestowed during the Bratabandha ceremony, marking their transition into adulthood. The thread is worn diagonally across the body, from left shoulder to right waist.
Brahmins wear six threads, each symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwor, knowledge, worship, and karma, while others wear three. This sacred thread is believed to offer protection, positivity, and prosperity to the wearer. The janai signifies more than just a physical transformation; it represents the assumption of spiritual and moral responsibilities. It marks the wearer’s eligibility to perform the 16 Sanskars, or life rituals, in Hinduism.
During Janai Purnima, the tradition extends beyond caste boundaries. Hindu women and people of other castes participate by having a protective thread tied around their wrists—right for men, left for women. This thread, often colorful and imbued with mantras, serves as a spiritual amulet. Beyond religious and spiritual meaning, the thread also connects all participants to the broader cultural tapestry of Nepal.
Rituals of Janai Purnima
The day before Janai Purnima is marked by purification rituals for janai-wearing men. These include grooming practices such as hair cutting, shaving, and nail trimming, followed by a cleansing bath. Many also observe dietary restrictions, adhering to a pure vegetarian diet that excludes meat, onion, and garlic.
On the morning of Janai Purnima, devotees gather at nearby rivers or ponds for a ceremonial bath, usually next to Lord Shiva’s temple. This purifying ritual is followed by the symbolic changing of the old janai for a new one, representing spiritual renewal and recommitment to one’s duties.
Concurrently, the Newa community of Nepal celebrates the same day as “Kwati Punhi“. The highlight of this celebration is the preparation of kwati, a nutritious soup made from nine different soaked and sprouted beans. This dish, rich in proteins and nutrients, was traditionally served to revitalize farmers after the demanding rice planting season.
The beans used in kwati typically include mung beans, soybeans, red kidney beans, black grams, black-eyed peas, fava beans, chickpeas, field peas, and white beans. Each Newa household prepares this soup, turning the day into a culinary celebration that honors both tradition and health.
In the Terai region and parts of the hills, the day is observed as Rakshya Bandhan or Rakhi. The term Rakshya Bandhan literally translates to “a protective knot”. This celebration centers around the bond between siblings, particularly brothers and sisters. Sisters tie colorful threads or bands called rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their prayers for protection. In return, brothers pledge to safeguard their sisters. This ritual is accompanied by the exchange of gifts, adding fun to the occasion.
These diverse observances of Janai Purnima— from the Hindu ritual of thread renewal to the Newa tradition of eating kwati, and the sibling-centric Rakshya Bandhan—showcase Nepal’s rich tapestry of cultural practices. They exemplify how spiritual observances, community traditions, and family ties intertwine harmoniously, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and shared values.
Legends and Myths of Janai Purnima
Janai Purnima, like many Hindu festivals, is steeped in mythology and legend, each story adding layers of meaning to the celebration. One of the most prominent myths revolves around the epic battle between Lord Indra, the king of gods, and Bali, the powerful demon king.
According to this legend, Lord Indra found himself in a fierce struggle against Bali. Concerned for her husband’s safety, Indra’s wife, Sachi, sought divine intervention. Lord Vishnu, recognizing her devotion, bestowed upon her a sacred thread imbued with protective powers. Sachi tied this thread around Indra’s wrist, and empowered by its divine protection, Indra emerged victorious against Bali. This myth is often cited as the origin of the Raksha Bandhan tradition, which is celebrated alongside Janai Purnima in some regions.
Another intriguing myth links Janai Purnima to the concept of the afterlife. It’s believed that those who tie the sacred thread around their wrist to a cow’s tail on Laxmi Puja during Tihar (Diwali) are granted a divine guide in their journey after death. The cow, revered in Hinduism as a sacred animal, is said to assist the deceased in crossing the Baitarni, the celestial river that separates the mortal world from the heavenly realms. This myth underscores the thread’s significance beyond mortal life, extending its protective powers into the spiritual realm.
In some traditions, Janai Purnima is associated with the sage Kashyapa and his teachings. It’s said that on this day, Kashyapa imparted sacred knowledge to his disciples, symbolized by the thread. This legend emphasizes the festival’s connection to spiritual wisdom and the guru-disciple tradition.
Another lesser-known myth connects Janai Purnima to Lord Krishna. Some believe that on this day, Yashoda, Krishna’s foster mother, tied a protective thread around his wrist, symbolizing her love and desire to shield him from harm. This story adds a touching, familial dimension to the festival’s significance.
Top 4 Sites to Observe Janai Purnima
1. Goshain Kunda, Langtang
Gosaikunda, a sacred high-altitude lake located in the Langtang region at 4,380 meters, is a major pilgrimage site for Janai Purnima. Thousands of devotees journey to this pristine lake every year, believing its waters possess purifying properties. According to legend, after Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison from the great Samudra Manthan and held it in his throat, he took a dip in Gosaikunda to cool its effects. During Janai Purnima, the lakeside transforms into a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition. Pilgrims perform rituals, take holy dips, and renew their sacred threads amidst the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The combination of natural beauty and spiritual devotion makes Gosaikunda a unique place to experience the essence of Janai Purnima.
2. Kumbeshwor, Patan
Kumbeshwor Temple in Patan is a key site for Janai Purnima celebrations, particularly for the local Newar community. This five-storied pagoda temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, becomes a vibrant center of activity during the festival. The temple’s lingam is elaborately adorned and placed on a raised platform in the middle of the Kumbeshwor pond, which fills with water at this time of year. Devotees line up on a wooden platform to pay homage to the idol and immerse themselves in the pond’s waters as a purification ritual. The temple complex is filled with the sights and sounds of devotees performing rituals, changing their sacred threads, priests chanting mantras, and children splashing in the holy pond to escape the summer heat. An additional ceremony, Byan-ja Nakegu, involves offering rice to frogs as a gesture of gratitude for favorable rainfall.
3. Pashupatinath, Kathmandu
Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, is a central hub for Janai Purnima celebrations in Kathmandu. The temple complex along the Bagmati River becomes a vibrant center of devotion as thousands gather to perform sacred rituals. Devotees immerse themselves in the river for ritual baths—which swells up and is relatively cleaner than during dry months, change their janai, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The air is alive with the sound of priests chanting and the scent of incense. The spiritual atmosphere at Pashupatinath intensifies during Janai Purnima, providing a profound insight into Nepal’s religious traditions. The site’s rich history and architectural splendor enhance the festival’s experience, making it a deeply meaningful occasion for visitors and worshippers alike.
4. Charikot, Dolakha
Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha, offers a unique Janai Purnima experience. The town, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, becomes a cultural hotspot during the festival. Local traditions blend with Hindu rituals, creating a distinctive celebration. The nearby Dolakha Bhimsen Temple sees an influx of devotees. What sets Charikot apart is the opportunity to observe how mountain communities integrate this festival into their local customs. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, and the preparation of local festive dishes, all against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, providing a more intimate and less crowded festival experience.
Celebrating Janai Purnima at Varnabas Museum Hotel
Travelers to Nepal during summer are in for a treat with the festival of Janai Purnima. It is a window into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage as well as the spiritual bonds between different communities of the country. While travelers to Nepal can observe Janai Purnima at various locations, with a stay at Varnabas Museum Hotel you can get a taste of the festival amidst its Nepal-inspired ambiance. Guests can indulge in a special 4-course meal featuring the traditional “Kwati” at the Kharka-La restaurant, bringing the flavors of the festival to your plate. Book your stay and reserve your table to taste the essence of Janai Purnima while enjoying the hotel’s blend of comfort and cultural authenticity.
