Janai Purnima being observed across the country with zest and zeal (With photos)

KATHMANDU: The annual Janai Purnima also known as the sacred thread festival is being observed across the country on Thursday. It falls on Shrawan Shukla Purnima every year.

Hindu Brahmins and Chhetris who have undergone Bratabandha (hair shaving ceremony) change the Janai (a sacred thread worn across the chest) on this day and also tie a sacred thread around the wrist of the right hand, which they believe will purify the soul and protects the body from evil.

Many people throng to Kumbheshwor in Lalitpur and Gosaikunda in Rasuwa district observe the annual fair.             Janai Purnima is also popularly known as Rakshya Bandhan, a festival to celebrate the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters.

On this day, sisters offer the rakhi (a thread) to their brothers and pray for their long and prosperous life.

People celebrate the festival by eating Kwati (soup cooked from germinated pulses) and other special food items.