Kathmandu: The festival of Rishitarpani, Rakshyabandhan, also known as ‘Janaipurnima’, was celebrated throughout the country today. This significant Hindu festival involves changing the Janai, the sacred thread worn by men, from the left shoulder to the right after a ritual bath. The festival holds importance not only within the country but also among Nepalis residing abroad.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the festival traditions include the tying of the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ thread around the wrist as an amulet. Offerings were made to seven revered sages: Kashyap, Atri, Bhardwaj, Gautam, Jamadagni, Bashishtha, and Bishwasmitra, which is known as Rishitarpani. The sacred Janai is esteemed as a symbol of knowledge in the Vedic tradition.
A special culinary tradition observed today was the preparation and consumption of Kwati, a soup made from 11 varieties of beans. In the Tarai region, sisters tied ‘Rakhi’ around their brothers’ wrists, wishing them long life and prosperity.
Thousands of devotees worshipped Lord Shiva at temples such as Pashupatinath, Gokarneshwor, Doleshwor, and Santaneshwor in the Kathmandu Valley and other locations nationwide. Religious fairs were organized at Gosainkunda in Rasuwa district and Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district, where offerings were made to Lord Shiva.
Further festivities included religious gatherings at Panchpokhari in Sindhupalchok, Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar, and Ganga Sagar in Dhanusha, as well as at Dansanghu in Jumla and Trivenidham in Nawalparasi.