Janai Purnima: A Celebration of Sacred Threads!

Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. It typically falls on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (July or August) of the Hindu lunar calendar, Janai Purnima holds deep cultural, religious, and social significance. During this festival, people change the holy threads once a year on this day and express their love and protection among their siblings.

The term "Janai" refers to the sacred thread worn by Hindu men across their bodies, while "Purnima" denotes the full moon day. The festival's first religious activity is the renewal of this Janai (holy thread), which is a symbol of protection and spiritual growth. Hindu men participate in this ritual, particularly from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities. On this day, they visit local temples or the homes of priests to have their old threads removed and replaced with new ones. The act of changing the Janai is the belief that it is a removal of impurities and the renewal of one's spiritual commitment and connection with the divine.

The festival also has a unique place for Hindu women and sisters especially, as it is celebrated together with Raksha Bandhan. Raksha Bandhan is a festival for the brothers and sisters bond. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread called a "rakhi" around their brothers' wrists, and in return, brothers give gifts or tokens of appreciation to their sisters. "Rakhi" is a sister's love and prayers for the well-being of her brother, whereas her brother promises to protect and support her.

Janai Purnima also has social and cultural impacts, it brings family members together and creates a sense of unity and shared traditions. In recent times, Janai Purnima has not only remained confined to Nepal but has also garnered attention in various parts of the world due to the Nepalese diaspora.

Janai Purnima is a festival that has deep religious, social, and cultural importance from the rituals of renewing the sacred thread to the strengthening sibling bonds, it represents spiritual renewal, protection, and unity.