Overview
The festive season brings an array of celebrations, infusing joy and colors into our lives. Among these celebrations, Janai Purnima holds a unique place, symbolizing the bond of security and purity. As we delve into the significance of this festival, we uncover its rituals, traditions, and the thread that ties it all together.
Janai Purnima
Janai Purnima, also known as Rakshabandhan, is a festival steeped in tradition and symbolism. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie colorful threads around their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being and protection. In return, brothers offer gifts and promises of lifelong support. This ritual reflects the essence of Rakshabandhan—where “Raksha” signifies protection and “Bandhan” denotes the act of tying. The act of giving and receiving gifts during this ritual further strengthens the bond between siblings. Different ethnic groups and regions of Nepal have their unique ways of celebrating, each holding its significance. Brahmins and Chhetri ethnic groups celebrate Janai Purnima, while in the Terai region, it is celebrated as Raksha Bandhani or Rakhi. Similarly, the Newar community observes this day as Kwati Purnima.
Timing and Symbolism
This heartwarming festival typically falls on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Shrawan (July-August) and the Hindu month of Shravana. The name “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the bond of protection, obligation, or care” in Sanskrit. This bond is symbolized by the rakhi, a tangible representation of the sisters’ wishes for their brothers’ well-being and safety.
Janai Purnima 2023 is on 14 Bhadra, 2080/August 31, 2023
How is Janai Purnima Celebrated?
Janai Purnima, one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, is a celebration of purity and security. Janai refers to the holy thread, and Purnima signifies the full moon. On this day, Brahmin and Chhetri groups perform their annual ritual of changing the Janai. Janai is a sacred thread made of cotton, worn across the chest by Hindu men, particularly Brahmins, and Chhetris. This thread is changed after taking a ceremonial bath in the holy Bagmati or Vishnumati rivers.
The thread is exclusive to males who have undergone the Bratabandhan ceremony. This Hindu ritual symbolizes a boy’s transition to manhood and commitment to faithfully follow the tenets of the religion. Janai must be worn daily throughout their lives without disrespecting the faith. The Janai consists of three cords representing the body, speech, and mind. By tying these three knots, the wearer is believed to gain control over each symbol.
The ritual involves bathing, offering to the Saptarishis (seven legendary rishis or sages), and departed ancestors. Tagadharis, men wearing the Janai, then replace the old thread with a new one, symbolizing mastery over body, speech, and mind.
For those not wearing Janai, a sacred colored thread called “Doro” is tied around the wrist by priests (pundits). This thread is believed to offer protection and safety. After a few months, the thread is tied to a cow’s tail on the third day of the Tihar festival, symbolizing safe passage to the afterlife.
During Janai Purnima, thousands of devotees flock to the Kumbheswar temple in Patan, Lalitpur. The temple complex includes structures like Bangalamukhi and Ulmanta Bhairava, surrounded by two hiti ponds. The water in these ponds is believed to originate from the holy Gosainkunda Lake, located 43 km north of Kathmandu. Taking a dip in these ponds during Janai Purnima is considered equivalent to bathing in Gosainkunda.
Devotees also make their way to the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes, a renowned pilgrimage site. Hindu mythology suggests that Lord Shiva created these lakes by thrusting his trident into a mountain to extract water to cool himself after consuming poison. Bathing in these lakes on Janai Purnima is believed to absolve sins, pain, and grief.
The Gosainkunda Trek, set in the Langtang region of Rasuwa district at an altitude of 4,380m, is a journey of spiritual devotion to Lord Shiva. Participating in this trek during Janai Purnima is considered highly auspicious. It’s believed that those who bathe in the lake will cleanse themselves of negativity.
Yanjnopawit
In Hindu tradition, Janai Poornima holds immense importance, especially for Brahmins and Kshatriyas. The festival is marked by the wearing of Yajnopavit, also known as Janai. This sacred thread is made from six raw threads, symbolizing various aspects of life, including karma, worship, knowledge, and more. The thread is prepared by tying two knots and placing them on the left shoulder with a commitment to follow the righteous path.
Rakhi
Rakshabandhan transcends mere rituals—it embodies the eternal bond between siblings. Sisters adorn their brothers’ wrists with vibrant threads, while brothers offer heartfelt promises of protection. This tradition extends beyond blood relations, as friends and relatives also participate, amplifying the spirit of unity and love.
Kwati Purnima/Gun Punhi
In Nepal, Janai Purnima is also referred to as Kwati Purnima or Gunhi Punhi, mainly celebrated by the Newar community. On this day, a special dish called Kwati is prepared, made from a mix of nine different sprouted beans. Kwati is a thick soup, cooked with various spices, and is shared as a feast with family members. This dish holds ritual significance and is consumed for both its health benefits and its role in the celebration.
Mantra
The festival’s protective mantra, “येन बद्धो वलीराजा दानवेन्द्रो महावलस्,” further emphasizes the idea of security. It translates to “The defense that bound the great king of demons, Vali, I will bind you with the same thread, this defense bond will protect you forever.” This mantra encapsulates the strength and safeguarding nature of the Janai.
Origins of the Festival
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is steeped in history and myths:
- One myth recounts that after Lord Vishnu defeated demon king Bali and granted him a wish, Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi on Bali’s wrist, making him her brother. Bali honored her wish and considered her his sister.
- Another legend involves Lord Indra’s wife tying a holy bracelet around his wrist, leading to his victory over the demon king Bali.
- A historical narrative links Raksha Bandhan to Alexander the Great’s invasion of India, where his wife Roxana sent a rakhi to King Porus, forging a bond of protection.
Evolution of Tradition
Over time, Janai Poornima has evolved in significance and celebration. The annual changing of the Janai thread remains a revered practice. The thread, consisting of six cords each symbolizing different principles, is changed with devotion, marking a renewal of spiritual commitment. This tradition fosters a sense of continuity and growth in one’s journey.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan stands as a testament to the enduring strength of sibling relationships. The simple act of tying a rakhi carries profound meaning, symbolizing protection, unity, and shared responsibilities. As the festival continues to evolve and spread, its essence remains constant—a celebration of love, care, and the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters.
FAQs
- What is Raksha Bandhan? Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival where sisters tie a rakhi (a protective amulet) around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love, unity, and shared responsibilities.
- When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated? Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar month of Shraavana, which generally falls in August.
- What does the rakhi symbolize? The rakhi symbolizes the bond of protection and care between siblings. Sisters tie it around their brothers’ wrists to signify their role as protectors.
- Is Raksha Bandhan only celebrated in India? While its roots are in South Asia, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in various parts of the world influenced by Hindu culture, including countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Fiji.
