On this day, the Tagadharis (Hindus wearing the sacred thread) discard the old sacred thread and put on a new one that is sanctified by the priest. They also have sanctified thread tied up around their wrists in the form of an amulet.[break]
They also make offerings to the Saptarishis (seven legendary Rishis or sages) and to their departed fathers and fore-fathers on this day.
Devotees throng the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, the Kumbheshwar Temple and the Saptarishi shrine in Lalitpur, Gosainkunda in Rasuwa, the Gangasagar and Dhanushsagar ponds in Janakpurdham, Dansanghu pilgrimage in Jumla and other major pilgrimage sites across the country on the occasion of the Janai Purnima festival.
The "Tagadhari" or those who wear the "Janai" (sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread on Wednesday after having a haircut and a bath on the occasion of "Janai Purnima," also known as "Rishi Tarpani".
This festival observed by the Hindus, especially of the Shaiva sect, on the full moon day in the Nepali month of Saun is also popularly known as "Gunhu Punhi" in the Newar community.
According to time-honoured tradition, the people receive the ´Rakshya Bandhan´ thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmins as a symbol of protection from fear and disease. They also observe the occasion as "Kwanti Purnima".
Kwanti, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today.
The "Kulabarna Tantra" Tantrik text says that the soup is highly nutritious and keeps diseases away.
In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive "Rakhi" around the wrists of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity.
Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheswor in Lalitpur and take holy dips in ponds and lakes.
Religious fairs are held at Gosaikund, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings of worship to Lord Shiva.
A big religious fair takes place at the Gosaikund Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other lakes nearby.
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Janai Purnima festival being observed today
