Festival

Janai Purnima

जनै पूर्णिमा

Also known as: Rakshya Bandhan

Janai Purnima is a Hindu festival on the full moon of Shrawan (July–August). Brahmin and Chhetri men change the sacred thread (janai) they wear across the body.

Significance

The day is also observed as Raksha Bandhan — a sister ties a protective thread on her brother's wrist. In the hills, it is Rishi Tarpani day; in the Terai, Kajari festivities begin.

How it is celebrated

Early-morning bath, visit to a temple or sacred river, and tying of the yellow raksha thread. Kwati — a nine-bean soup — is the traditional food of the day.

Traditional food

Kwati (nine-bean soup).