Hindus in Nepal and elsewhere are celebrating Janai Purnima festival on Thursday.
Jhakris (witch doctors) performing dance at Kumbheshwor temple in Patan on...
On this day, men from Hindu faith change their Janai, the sacred thread, apart from performing rituals in temples. People also receive Rakshya Bandhan (thread) from the Brahmin priests. The thread is purified by mantras from Vedas and is regarded a symbol of protection, according to Hindu belief.
The Newar community observes the festival as Gunhu Punhi while Gurung and Thakali communities observe Yatung Mela (fair) in the premises of Muktinath temple in Mustang on this day. Exhibition of local goods and horse racing are some of the highlights of the fair.
On the occasion, people consume Kwati- a soup prepared from nine different beans. In the Terai, sisters tie Rakhis to their brother's wrist wishing them a long and prosperous life.
In Kathmandu valley, devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath and Kumbheswor in Lalitpur. Religious fairs are held in Gosaikunda in Rasuwa and Tribeni in Jumla, among others. nepalnews.com
