Every year, Janai Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shrawan. The 'Taghadharis', bearer of the holy thread called Janai, take a bath in the nearest river or pond early in the morning and change the janai given by their priest.

Devotees also tie a sacred thread around their wrist on this day, which they believe purifies the soul and protects the body from evil. Many Hindus across the country flock to Gosaikunda, in Rasuwa district, to participate in an annual fair. In the valley and the southern plains, Nepalis also celebrate Rakshya Bandhan, a festival to celebrate the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters.

Finally, no festival is complete without a special dish. On this day, especially among the Newar community, Nepalis prepare a special nine-bean soup, traditionally known as Kwati, and have it as part of their meal. The soup, according to Newar elders, provided much-needed warmth to the farmers, who spent the monsoon summer shin-deep in muddy water, planting crops in the fields.

Here are some photos that show how people are celebrating the festival today.