News Summary
- On the occasion of Shrawan Shukla Purnima today, devotees have gathered in large numbers at the Pashupatinath premises in Kathmandu for Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
12 Bhadra, Kathmandu – Today marks Shrawan Shukla Purnima, an annual occasion when Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals are celebrated across the country. On this day, followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma cleanse themselves in rivers, lakes, ponds, or tanks and receive the sacred protective thread, known as Raksha Sutra, from their guru or priest.
From early morning, a bustling crowd of devotees has gathered within the premises of Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple.
Children in the Pashupati area are actively participating in bathing rituals, tying Raksha Bandhan threads, and changing their Janai (sacred thread). The priests within the Pashupatinath complex are fully engaged in performing rituals related to Raksha Bandhan and Janai Purnima.
Long lines of worshippers have formed for the darshan (holy viewing) of Lord Pashupatinath. Devotees can be seen tying Raksha Bandhan threads as well as coming to change their Janai.
Religious texts specify that men of Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya castes who wear the sacred thread must participate in Janai-changing rituals on this day. It is believed that when a guru or priest ceremoniously ties the mantric Raksha Sutra, it offers protection from negative influences and evil entities.
A customary part of Janai Purnima celebrations includes eating Kwanti, a nutritious soup made by soaking and sprouting a mixture of various grains.
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