Janai Purnima: A Sacred Festival of Purity and Protection

Janai Purnima: A Sacred Festival of Purity and Protection

Janai Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of Shrawan. It marks the day when men, especially from the Brahmin and Kshatriya castes, renew their sacred thread (Janai) as a symbol of spiritual purity and commitment. The festival is also a time for tying protective threads (Doro) on wrists, preparing special dishes like Kwati, and honoring the bond between siblings through the Raksha Bandhan tradition. It's a day of religious rituals, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations.

Activities on Janai Purnima: 

Janai Purnima is an important festival in Nepal, filled with many meaningful activities. People celebrate by changing the sacred thread (Janai), preparing special dishes like Kwati, and tying Raksha Bandhan threads to strengthen family bonds. They also visit temples, perform rituals, and pray for protection and good health. Each of these activities holds deep significance, reflecting Nepal's rich traditions and culture.

1. Renewal of Janai 

Janai is a holy cotton thread worn across the chest by Hindu men. It is placed crosswise across the left shoulder to the right waistline. A Janai consists of six cotton threads, and each string has a meaning to it. Three of the threads symbolize Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar (the three major gods in Hinduism). And, the other three strains symbolize the totality of worship, knowledge, and karma. According to the Hindu myths, those six strains of Janai have unique symbolism. This sacred thread is only given to males during an impressive religious ceremony called ‘Bratabandha’ which is such a type of ceremony or a formal process of accepting an individual in his religion. Hindu Nepalese men of the Brahmin and Chhetri groups perform their annual ritual of changing Janai during this festival.

2. Ritual Bathing and Purification

Devotees take ritual baths early in the morning in rivers, ponds, or at home, believing it will purify their body and soul. Holy dips in rivers like the Bagmati River in Kathmandu are considered highly auspicious.

3. Preparation and Consumption of Kwati

Kwati is a special dish prepared during Janai Purnima, particularly in Nepal. It is a traditional Newari soup made from a mixture of nine different types of sprouted beans. The dish is not only nutritious but is also believed to have medicinal properties, providing strength and protection against illness. Kwati is enjoyed by families across Nepal as a part of the Janai Purnima celebration, symbolizing health and prosperity. 

In the Newari community, Janai Purnima is known as Kwati Punhi. "Punhi" means full moon in Newari, and the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The best part of the day is making and eating Kwati, which is a special dish. As an important part of their culture, the Newars think that eating Kwati during the monsoon season keeps them from getting colds and other seasonal illnesses.

4. Tie Rakhee on brothers’ wrists

On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called "Raksha Bandhan" around their brothers' wrists, praying for their well-being and protection. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect their sisters throughout their lives. The festival emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and the duty of siblings to care for each other.

Why do people celebrate Janai Purnima?

People celebrate Janai Purnima to honor the bond between purity and protection. On this day, Hindu men, especially those from the Brahmin and Kshatriya castes, change their old Janai with a new one. It is a holy ritual. This act is a sign that they are recommitting themselves to their spiritual tasks.

When is the celebration of Janai Purnima?

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Janai Purnima occurs on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shrawan. This usually occurs in July or August in the Gregorian calendar. The full moon is considered auspicious, and the day is marked by various religious and cultural activities.

How is Janai Purnima celebrated?

A man who has participated in Bartabandha is qualified to wear Janai which means he is capable of performing Yagya and Puja. The day before Janai Purnima, men fast partially as they dodge garlic, meat, and onions in their meal. On the main day, Brahmin and Chhetri men take a holy bath early in the morning and are ready for a ritual to change the Janai. Thousands of pilgrims visit the tremendous divine lake named Gosaikunda and take holy dips in the lake to scour their souls and bodies. After taking the holy bath, the men release their old Janai and replace it with the new one. Other men usually visit nearby Hindu shrines where the priest intonates mantras and performs rituals to wear the new sacred thread. Khumbeshwar temple in Patan is also one of the most visited places during Janai Purnima.

Also, in Janai Purnima, the priest ties colorful threads on the wrists of men and women and gives them blessings. It is believed that this thread on the wrist guards people against bad energy and blesses them with good luck throughout the year. In the Terai region, this festival is celebrated as ‘Raksha Bandhan’ or ‘Rakhi’ which signifies the relationship between brothers and sisters.

Myths and Stories Behind Janai Purnima Festival in Nepal

There are several myths and legends associated with Janai Purnima. One popular story is that of the sage Vishwamitra, who created a protective mantra known as the "Raksha Mantra" to safeguard the gods from demons. The thread tied during Janai Purnima is believed to carry the power of this mantra, offering protection to the wearer.