GUNPOONI

Gunpooni or virtuous full moon day, also known as Rishi Poornima, or the full moon day of the sages, falls in the month of Shravan (around August). On this day, Bramhins and people of other castes bearing the holy threads around their necks (known as Janai), take a bath in a holy river and change the thread. The priests also go to their acquaintances and relatives and bind protective holy threads termed as Raksha Bandhan round the wrists of their acquaintances. A special mixed soup called “Kwanti” made of various cereals, beans and peas is served on this occasion.

A remarkable feature of this festival is the exhibition of the Buddhas and Taras and other deities, ancient paintings and tapestries, various objects of historic significance, books written in ink of gold and many other items as such in various Buddhist Viharas and monasteries.