Janai purnina religious festival of Hindu community being observed across the country today

August 15, Kathmandu: Two religious festivals’ Janai Purnima’ and ‘Rakshya Bandhan’ are being observed across the country today. The festivals are basically observed by the Hindu community in the country.

On the occasion of Janai Purnima, also known as ‘Rishi Tarpani’, the tagadharis or those who wear the ‘Janai’ (the sacred thread) around their bodies from the left shoulder change the sacred thread today after having a haircut and a bath.

Chairperson of Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, said the yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease.

The occasion is also observed as ‘Kwanti Purnima’ by the Newar community.

Similarly, the day is observed as a special day in terai region where sisters tie an attractive ‘Rakhi’ around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity.

Today, thousands of devotees worship Lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheswar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country and take holy dips in ponds and lakes and rivers.