Festive Spirit Fills Kathmandu as Janai Purnima and Gaijatra Near

Photos: Beeju Maharjan / TDN

Kathmandu: As the auspicious festivals of Janai Purnima and Gaijatra draw near, the streets of Kathmandu, especially the historic marketplace of Asan, are buzzing with excitement. Shoppers crowd the alleys, purchasing sacred threads, Raksha Bandhan strings, and colorful items associated with both festivals. This year, Janai Purnima falls on Shrawan 24 and Gaijatra on Shrawan 25.

Janai Purnima, a significant day in the Hindu calendar, is marked by the ritual changing of the Janai, a sacred thread symbolizing purity and spiritual renewal. On this day, men, especially from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities, renew their Janai under the guidance of elders or priests. Similarly, the Raksha Bandhan thread, chanted and sanctified through Vedic rituals, is tied on the wrist by Brahmin priests, invoking blessings and protection.

Meanwhile, Gaijatra, known as Saparu in the Newar language where ‘Sa’ means cow and ‘Paru’ refers to the first day of the lunar fortnight, is a unique celebration rooted in remembrance and resilience. In this festival, families who have lost loved ones during the past year participate in a procession, often accompanied by a cow or a young boy dressed as one. This tradition is believed to help the departed souls on their journey to the afterlife.

Gaijatra is celebrated with music, satire, and theatrical performances, particularly in the Newar communities of the Kathmandu Valley. It not only honors the deceased but also offers a cathartic blend of mourning and laughter, reminding everyone of the impermanence of life and the importance of joy even in grief.

With both festivals around the corner, the capital is alive with cultural vibrancy. Markets are filled with symbolic items, sacred threads, cow figures, costumes, and festive accessories reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and the rich spiritual tapestry of Nepali society.

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