Janai Purnima

What is Janai Purnima Festival?

Each festival has its own significance and context, and today is the festival of thread and bonding in the mass also called “Janai Purnima & Rakshya Bandhan”. The thread, the bond of purity and security. Janai Purnima Festival takes place on the full moon day of August. On the occasion of Janai Purnima Brahmins and Kshatriya, men have been practicing this festival. Today is the day people wear the sacred thread also called “Janai” with a promise to follow the path of truth.

In this way, the mantra is made by placing 6 cotton yarn (Janai) for each of the 2 different knots. And today people change their sacred thread annually. Out of six cotton yarns, three strings are considered as Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar and the remaining three are Karma, Worship, and Knowledge. On this day, a sister ties colorful yarn to her brothers in her right-hand pulse wishing them success in their life. Many people take a mindful walk to high-altitude areas like Gosaikunda Lake, Dudh Kunda Lake, and Dolakha Bhimsen Temple in Charikot.

How is the Janai Purnima Festival celebrated?

In this full moon, large numbers of Brahmins go to bathe in holy riverbanks. They take dips in holy water and change their sacred threads. In the Newar community of Kathmandu Valley, they prepare a special type of soup made of sprouted beans called “Kwati”. The family members gather together and have a good time resulting in mental relaxation and enriching family relations.

Spiritual walk to Gosaikunda Lake

Explore off the beaten path of Gosaikunda Lake while enjoying the wildflowers, birds, and pleasant sounds of nature. Witness nature, make space, and pause to calm your mind and relax in the purity of the present moment. Absorb the positive energy in you by practicing meditation in ancient stupas. After a long walk, you can rest in refreshing shade, and take time to commune with nature. While you rich Gosaikunda lake its beauty will calm your mind and enrich your mind and wellbeing.

August 13, 2023: Drive from Kathmandu to Dunche 2,000 m 6-7 hrs drive
August 14, 2023: Trek to Chandanwari 3580 m 4/5 hours trek
August 15, 2023: Trek to Gosaikunda. 4380 m 5/7 hours trek
August 16, 2023: Trek back to Dhunche.
August 17, 2023: Return to Kathmandu.