Janai Purnima and Gaijatra Festival Marked with Reverence and Merriment

Today, Nepal reverberates with spiritual significance and festive cheer as the nation celebrates the auspicious occasions of ‘Janai Purnima’ and ‘Gaijatra’ festival. These cherished traditions hold deep cultural and religious significance, drawing both devotion and jubilation from the people.

Janai Purnima – A Day of Sacred Threads and Raksha Bandhan

Janai Purnima, also known as Rishi Tarpani, is observed across the country by the majority Hindu population. On this day, tagadharis, individuals who wear the sacred thread called ‘Janai,’ change the thread after a symbolic haircut and cleansing bath. The yellow thread, representing protection from fear and disease, is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests.

As part of the celebrations, Hindu individuals receive the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ thread, a protective amulet tied around the wrist. This ritual is accompanied by a sense of spiritual renewal and a commitment to guarding against negative influences.

The Newar community commemorates the occasion as ‘Kwati Purnima,’ featuring the indulgence in a special delicacy called Kwati. This soup, prepared from nine different types of beans, adds a unique flavor to the Nepali cuisine on this festive day.

In the Terai region, sisters express their love and well wishes for their brothers by tying colorful ‘Rakhis’ around their wrists, symbolizing a prayer for their longevity and prosperity.

Spiritual Dips and Religious Fairs

Devotees from all corners of Nepal gather to worship Lord Shiva at sacred sites such as Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur. Taking holy dips in ponds, lakes, and rivers is a revered tradition on this day, fostering a deep spiritual connection.

Religious fairs are hosted at various significant locations including Gosainkunda in Rasuwa District, Dansanghu in Jumla District, and other places of devotion. Pilgrims converge at the Gosainkunda Lake to partake in a holy dip, forging a connection with the divine.

Gaijatra – A Festival of Laughter and Remembrance
Simultaneously, the jovial festival of Gaijatra is observed in three cities of the Kathmandu Valley and several other locations. With humor, satire, and entertainment as its essence, Gaijatra is a time-honored tradition where participants dress as cows and lunatics, parading through the city streets.

The festival, spanning a week from the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra, serves as a unique way to commemorate those who passed away during the year. This colorful procession sees bereaved families offering fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to the participants, including the symbolic cows.

Originating during the reign of King Pratap Malla, Gaijatra has transformed into a platform for social and political commentary through comedic skits, cartoons, and performances. The festival not only celebrates the memory of the departed but also provides an avenue for the expression of societal grievances.

A Day of Reverence and Merriment

Today, Nepal experiences a blend of spiritual devotion and festive merriment as Janai Purnima and Gaijatra grace the nation. These traditions unite communities, fostering a sense of shared cultural heritage while offering an opportunity for reflection and celebration. As a mark of the festivities, the government has declared today a public holiday in honor of these revered events. The spirit of unity, laughter, and reverence pervades the air, enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry.