Janai Purnima Festival in Nepal 2024
Janai Purnima festival in Nepal is a significant festival celebrated across Nepal, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and religious traditions. The name “Janai Purnima” is derived from two Nepali words: “Janai,” which refers to a sacred thread worn by Hindu men, and “Purnima,” meaning the full moon. Janai Purnima festival in Nepal observed on the full moon day of the month of Shrawan, typically marks the beginning of Nepal’s vibrant festival season, usually falling in August, though the exact date may vary.
Janai Purnima festival in Nepal is particularly important for Hindu men who wear the sacred thread, known as Janai. On the day of the festival, these men wake up early and bathe in a river or pond, a ritual believed to purify the body and soul. After the bath, they perform prayers and rituals under the guidance of a priest, who then replaces their old Janai with a new one. This act symbolizes a renewal of their vows to live a life of purity, self-discipline, and respect for their religious duties.
In addition to the changing of the Janai, a significant part of the festival involves the tying of a sacred thread around the wrist, known as “Doro” or “Raksha Bandhan.” This thread is tied by the family priest or an elder and is believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. The thread is often tied not only by men but also by women and children, making the festival inclusive and widely celebrated across the country.
Janai Purnima festival in Nepal also coincides with the celebration of “Kwati Purnima” in the Newar community, where a special dish made from nine types of sprouted beans, called “Kwati,” is prepared. The dish is considered highly nutritious and is believed to strengthen the immune system, aligning with the festival’s theme of renewal and protection. As Nepal’s diverse communities observe this festival in various forms, the Janai Purnima festival in Nepal stands out as a day that reinforces cultural identity and religious faith across the nation.
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.
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.