Kathmandu— Janai Purnima was celebrated across Nepal on Friday with Hindus paying homage to Lord Shiva through various rituals including changing the janai—a sacred thread worn by many—tying protective threads around wrists, and consuming Kwati, a soup made from nine different types of beans. The festival is one of the most important for Hindus in Nepal, observed both nationally and within specific communities like the Newar people of Kathmandu Valley.

Sacred Thread and Protective Bindings

A central part of Janai Purnima involves taking a holy bath early in the morning followed by wearing or changing the janai. For men of the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya varnas, this includes shaving their heads before donning a new sacred thread after bathing. Sisters traditionally tie Rakshya Bandhan—a sacred thread—around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of protection. Yellow and red threads are also tied to people's wrists by Brahmins, believed to offer protection from disease for the entire year.

Rishi Tarpani and Newar Traditions

Janai Purnima is also known as Rishi Tarpani, where Tagadhari Hindus perform tarpan—ritual offerings—to seven revered sages: Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, and Arundhati. Among the Newar community, the festival is called Gumpunhi and falls during the Gunla month. Statues of Dipankar Buddha and other religious figures are displayed at Bahal Vihar within Kathmandu Valley as part of their unique observance.

The Significance of Kwati

No Janai Purnima celebration is complete without Kwati, a special soup prepared from nine different types of beans. This dish holds cultural significance and is considered a delicacy added to the Nepali menu specifically for this festival. The tradition highlights the connection between festivals and unique culinary practices in Nepal.

The annual observance of Janai Purnima continues to be an important part of Nepal’s cultural and religious landscape, bringing communities together through shared traditions.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.