Janai Purnima / Rakshya Bandhan

People receive the 'Rakshya Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease.  The tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies from the left shoulder change the sacred thread today after having a haircut and a bath on the occasion of 'Janai Purnima', also known as 'Rishi Tarpani'.

They also observe the occasion as 'Kwanti Purnima'. Kwanti, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. The soup is highly nutritious and keeps diseases away.

In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity.