Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan)
जनै पूर्णिमा / रक्षाबन्धन
August 28, 2026 · Shrawan 12, 2083 BS
Nationwide (Gosainkunda pilgrimage in Langtang region)
Plan a trip around Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan)History & origin
On this full moon, Hindu men of the 'twice-born' castes replace the janai, a sacred thread worn across the chest, renewing vows of purity and discipline. The day is also tied to the legend of Shiva striking a mountain with his trident to create Gosainkunda lake, bringing water to the earth.
How it’s celebrated
Priests tie a protective thread (raksha bandhan) around visitors' wrists at temples nationwide, most famously Pashupatinath. At the same time, thousands of pilgrims — many barefoot — trek for days into the Langtang region to reach Gosainkunda lake above 4,300m, where they bathe in the frigid water believing it cleanses sin.
Tips for visitors
The Gosainkunda trek sees its single busiest day of the year on Janai Purnima, with pilgrims bathing in the lake — a striking, crowded, festival-meets-trek experience if timed for it.
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