[ Ani ] Tradition and Devotion: Kathmandu Embraces Janai Purnima with Sacred Threads, Rituals, and Festive Fairs

During the festival of Janai Purnima in Kathmandu, hundreds of devotees gathered by the Bagmati River near Pashupatinath Temple. They changed their “Janai” (sacred thread) and tied “Rakshabandhan” threads on their wrists. This annual celebration, coinciding with Shrawan Shukla Purnima, also aligned with the Janaipurnima and Rishi Tarpani festivals. Devotees of Vedic Sanatan Dharma immersed themselves in the river, securing the Rakshasutra (sacred thread) under their Guru’s guidance. Brahmin priests performed traditional Vedic chants and rituals while tying the Rakshasutra on devotees’ right wrists. The Janai and Rakshasutra, when properly chanted and blessed, are believed to offer spiritual protection against negative influences.