Why does the August full moon day have different names in Hindu culture?

1. Janai Purnima:

Janai Purnima, also known as the Sacred Thread Festival, is predominantly observed by Brahmin and Chhetri males. The core rite is changing their Janai, a holy thread worn over the shoulder that represents spiritual cleanliness, religious devotion, and self-discipline. This regeneration of the Janai is seen as a yearly spiritual cleaning. During the occasion, a priest performs the "Rishi Tarpani" ceremonies, which involve making sacrifices to ancient sages. According to Hindu texts, the holy thread was a gift from Lord Vishnu, representing the commitment to keep truth and spiritual purity. Due to this culture and rituals, this festival is called Janai Purnima in the Nepali community.

2. Rakshya Bandhan:

Rakshya Bandhan, a Hindu holiday observed in Nepal and India, is centered on the tying of a holy thread known as the Rakshya Bandhan Doro around the wrist. This rite is performed by priests, who chant mantras to bless persons with protection and good health. A key feature of the festival is sisters tying a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, which represents a prayer for their well-being and safety. In exchange, brothers agree to safeguard their sisters. This practice is based on a mythical account in which Lord Indra's wife, Indrani, wrapped a holy thread around his wrist to protect him in a battle with demons, resulting in his triumph. It is also about seeking divine protection and positive effects.

3. Quati Purnima:

Quati Purnima, known as Kwati Punhi in the Newar community, is a festival celebrated by Newars, Gurungs, and other ethnic groups. The main tradition involves preparing and eating a special soup called **Kwati**, which is made from a mix of nine sprouted beans, including black gram, green gram, and kidney beans. This nutritious dish is believed to strengthen the immune system, helping the body prepare for the colder months that follow the monsoon season. Culturally, eating Kwati is also a way of expressing gratitude to nature for its abundance. The festival's mythological significance is linked to agricultural rites and offering thanks to the gods for protecting crops during the rainy season. The sprouting beans symbolize rebirth and the renewal of life.

4. Goshai Kunda:

Gosaikunda Mela reveals a potent union of spiritual commitment and natural beauty. During Janai Purnima, the lake becomes a major pilgrimage site, with Hindu and Buddhist devotees performing ritual bathing in the belief that the waters are cleansing. According to legend, Lord Shiva created the lake to calm his throat after eating poison, thereby symbolizing divine benediction. Langtang National Park's quiet, high-altitude terrain, featuring rocky peaks and crystalline lakes that are frequently frozen for months, provides a demanding yet rewarding walk through varied ecosystems and diverse populations. This transforms the travel to Gosaikunda into a one-of-a-kind experience of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

In Nepali culture, the full moon day, known as "Purnima," is deeply sacred and spiritual. It is regarded as an ideal time for rituals, fasting, and worship. Many notable festivals, including "Janai Purnima," Buddha Purnima, and Holi Purnima, fall on this day. People go to temples, do pujas, and do other acts of "charity and purification." The full moon represents "completeness, prosperity, and heavenly blessings," making it an auspicious day for spiritual development and communal meetings. It's also said to improve mental clarity and emotional balance.