Janai Purnima 2025: Sacred Thread Ceremony and Ritual Bath Observed Across Nepal

Today, on August 9, 2025 (Shravan Shukla Purnima, 2082 BS), Nepalis nationwide are observing Janai Purnima, also known as Rakshya Bandhan or Rishi Tarpani, by renewing the sacred thread (Yagyopavit) and performing traditional rituals.

Janai Purnima is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Shrawan month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees following Vedic Sanatan Dharma start the day with ritual baths in rivers, lakes, and ponds, followed by the sacred thread tying ceremony performed by their guru or priest. Wearing the sanctified Yagyopavit and protective thread (Raksha Sutra) is believed to shield one from negative influences.

Religious and Mythological Significance

According to Hindu mythology, during Satya Yuga, the gods were tormented by powerful demons. The guru of the gods, Brihaspati, devised a protective ritual by tying a sacred thread around the demon king Bali to restrain his power, ensuring protection and stability. This legendary act is the basis of the Raksha Bandhan tradition, symbolizing protection through a tied thread.

Nepal Panchanga Nirdharak Bikas Samiti’s former chairperson and religious scholar Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam explains that during the sacred thread ceremony, the priest chants the mantra:
“Yena Baddho Baliraja Danavendro Mahabala, Tena Tvam Pratibadhnami Rakshema Chalamachal”,
which invokes divine protection through the tied thread.

Rituals and Observances

The priest ties the sanctified thread on the right wrist of the devotee while reciting mantras. Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya men who wear the sacred thread (Taagadhaar) also change their Janai (Yagyopavit) on this day as prescribed by the scriptures.

The ritual involves observing a fast starting from Shravan Shukla Chaturdashi (one day prior), shaving the head, and maintaining purity by consuming a single meal. The devotees then bathe in holy water bodies using cow dung, ash, Dattiun (holy herbs), and Saptamrit (a sacred mixture), a practice called Shravani Snan.

After bathing, they perform Rishi Tarpani by offering barley, sesame seeds, and kusha grass to the eight revered sages—Arundhati, Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Jamadagni, Vashishtha, and Agastya—through Vedic Rudrabhishek rituals. This act purifies and renews the sacred thread, symbolizing the ‘thread of knowledge’ or Brahmasutra.

Celebrations Across Nepal

In Kathmandu Valley and across Nepal, devotees flock to temples such as Pashupatinath, Ashok Vinayak in Basantapur, and riverbanks along the Bagmati River to perform the rituals and tie new sacred threads.

Traditional Food: Kwati

A special dish called Kwati, made from sprouted nine to eleven varieties of beans, is traditionally prepared and consumed on Janai Purnima. It is believed that eating Kwati boosts immunity, cleanses the digestive system, and helps the body overcome cold-related ailments common in the monsoon.

Ayurvedic physician Dr. Vanshdeep Sharma Kharel notes that Kwati’s nutrient-rich soup increases resistance against diseases like cough and cold caused by the monsoon chill.

Rakhi Festival in Terai Region

In Nepal’s Terai region, Janai Purnima is also celebrated as Rakhi, where sisters tie protective threads on their brothers’ wrists, strengthening sibling bonds and expressing love and protection.

This tradition is gradually spreading to hill regions, with fairs and gatherings held at holy sites such as Manichud in Rasuwa, Gosaikunda, Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur, Panchpokhari in Sindhupalchok, Janakpur Dham and Sagar in Dhanusha, Dansadhu in Jumla, and Triveni Dham in Nawalparasi.