Janai Purnima day in Manasarovar 28 August 2026

There is a significant Hindu festival called Janai Purnima, Raksha Bandhan (Rekha Bandhan), and Shravan Massa which all occur on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Shravan (28 August 2026). There are various names and rituals associated with the festival in different communities and regions, primarily in Nepal and India.

Janai Purnima
Significance: Janai Purnima is also known as the "sacred thread festival" or Rishi Tarpani As well as being known as Rishi Tarpani, Janai Purnima is also referred to as the "sacred thread festival." Chhetris and Brahmins who have undergone Bratabandha (an initiation ceremony). As part of the ceremony, these people take a sacred bath and exchange their old Janai for a new one, as well as praying and making a resolution to live a pure life.

Rituals: This day traditionally includes the preparation and eating of a special soup called Kwati, which is a mixture of nine types of sprouted beans. 

Raksha Bandhan (Rekha Bandhan)
Significance: During Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters celebrate their bond. On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie colorful Rakhis (a protective thread) around their brothers' wrists, and tikas (vermilion marks) are applied to their foreheads.

Rituals: A brother's gift to a sister or promise to protect her throughout the course of their lives is a return. It is also commonly known as Raksha Bandhan in Nepal when a priest ties a sacred thread around a person's wrist. 

Shravan Massa
Significance: Shravan is the Hindu month in which the festival takes place. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the full moon day (Purnima) during this August month is a powerful day of spiritual energy. All of these names refer to the same full moon day festival, which emphasizes purity, protection, and strengthening of family ties and spiritual bonds.

Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims are considered highly auspicious for ritual bathing during Janai Purnima (28 August 2026), a significant Hindu festival in the month of Shravan. With the full moon enhancing spiritual energy, especially around Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash, it is believed that the full moon cleanses sins and purifies the soul.  Sacred Yatras are held during this time for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers seeking blessings and spiritual merit. A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, revered as a sacred site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpo followers, is a spiritual journey that is significant to them. For cleansing of sins, pilgrims often perform the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) and holy dips in the lake, which have strict health and age requirements, with lottery selections for routes through Nepal or Tibet, which involve high-altitude trekking and vegetarian meals.

Significance of Janai Purnima at Manasarovar
Spiritual Cleansing: Taking a holy dip in Lake Manasarovar on this day is believed to wash away sins from a lifetime.
Peak Spiritual Energy: As a result of the full moon, rituals, prayers, and circumambulations (Kora) around Kailash become more powerful.
Lord Shiva's Abode: Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash, and his presence is strongest during the full moon in Shravan.
Renewal of Vows: During this time, you can strengthen your spiritual connection, renew sacred vows, and purify your inner self

Key Activities
Circumambulation: As pilgrims make their way around Mount Kailash, they perform a holy circuit.
Ritual Bathing: It is a central practice of purification to bathe in Lake Manasarovar.
Offerings: Lighting lamps, offering flowers, and burning incense to the gods. 

When to Go (from May to September but spritual day 2026)
Pilgrims consider full moon dates in August (such as August 28, 2026, for Janai Purnima) prime times for their journeys.