Janai Purnima also known as the sacred thread festival is being observed across the country on Saturday.

The festival is considered sacred throughout the nation and is observed in different ways by various communities.

The hill communities celebrate it as Raksha Bandhan, Janai Purnima, and Rishitarpani, the Madhesi community celebrates it as Rakhi, and the Newar community celebrates as Gunhu Punhi.

On the occasion, Hindu Brahmins and Chhetris who have undergone Bratabandha (hair shaving ceremony) change the sacred thread (janai) and also tie sacred thread around the wrist of the right hand.

It is also believed that this thread should be removed only on the day of Laxmi Puja that falls during Laxmi Puja in Tihar.

A highlight of Janai Purnima is kwati, a hot soup made from sprouted beans also called Kwati in Nepal Bhasa.Traditionally, nine varieties of beans are soaked for two days until they sprout, then cooked into a nutritious soup believed to prevent illness.

Janai Purnima is also popularly known as Rakshya Bandan.

On this day, sisters offer rakhi (a symbol of protection) to their brothers.