KATHMANDU, Aug 19: On the occasion of Janaipurnima, devotees have thronged Pashupatinath temple to receive Raksha Bandhan and Janai (i.e. sacred thread worn by male members belonging to Bramhan and Khestri community ) from priests. 

On this occasion, Rakshabandhan, or Janaipurnima (Rishi Tarpani), observed annually on Shrawan Sukla Purnima, is being celebrated across the country today by wearing Janai and Rakshabandhan. The Tagadharis, or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies from the left shoulder to the right, change the sacred thread today after having a haircut and a bath.

According to tradition, Hindu devotees receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease, said Prof. Dr. Ram Chandra Gautam, former chairperson of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Calendar Determination Committee).

Along with Pashupati Temple in Kathmandu, thousands of devotees worship Lord Shiva at Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country, taking holy dips in ponds, lakes and rivers.

Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla District, to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. A large religious fair takes place at Gosainkunda Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other nearby lakes.

This year, Rakshabandhan coincides with the Janaipurnima and Rishi Tarpani festivals. Here are some pictures taken by Republica’s photo journalist Dipesh Darshandhari:

 
• Janai_Purnima
 
• Pashupatinath