During the festival of Janai Purnima, all high caste Hindus chants the powerful Gayatri mantra and changes their Janai (sacred thread). On this day, every year, the sacred thread is replaced after a daylong fast. Other Hindus and Buddhists tie a raksha bandhan, a red or yellow protection cord, around their wrists. In the Kathmandu valley, especially for Newars, it is the festivals of Gunhi Punhi. Kwati. On this day soup is prepared from nine different beans, which is the special menu of the day. In Patan at Khumbeswar Mahadev temple, "Lingam", the phallic symbol of lord Shiva, is placed in the middle of the Khumbeswar pond. It is believed that the pond is filled with water from the holy Gosaikund Lake. In Bhaktapur, a colorful procession known as Jujuya Ghin-tang-gishi (king's carnival) goes around town in the evening. Kumbheshwar temple in Patan, and the holy lake of Gosaikunda north of Kathmandu valley are important places for this festival.

According to traditions, every family who has lost a relative during the past year must participate in a parade through the streets of Kathmandu leading a decorated cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young boy dressed up as a cow or ascetic is also considered a fair substitute. Cow is considered, as a holy animal by all devout Hindus, It is believed that the sacred animal helps departed souls to cross the Baitarni River or cosmic ocean in their journey into the after world. Cow is considered a holy animal by all devout Hindus, and will assist the deceased relative's journey to heaven. The other part of Gai Jatra is humor. Comic dramas and street shows making fun of government officials are performed. The libel law does not apply on any satirical items. Newspapers bring out special "mad" editions. Later in the afternoon, nearly everyone takes part in another age-old tradition, in which all participants dress up and wear masks. Jokes, mockery and humor of every kind become the order of the day until the late evening. This day is also observed as a public holiday. In Patan, the participants gather at Durbar Square and then move out together but in Kathmandu, people proceed along the festival route individually. In Bhaktapur, tall bamboo poles, wrapped in the cloth and topped with the horns made up of straw are carried around the city in the memory of death.

This Festival is in honor of the ancient Aryan deity Indra, Lord of Heaven, who gave the monsoon rain to the valley farmers, marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the best season of the year, which lasts for two months. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festival continues for eight days during which there is much rejoicing, dancing and feasting. On the first day, a long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Place at Hanuman Dhoka, is order to propitiate Indra, the god of rain. Classical dancers also assemble at the spot wearing different kinds of masks and dancing around the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka to celebrate Indra's visit. On the third day of the festival, the Living Goddess or "Kumari" is taken out in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu and the King receives blessings from her. Three chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab are taken round the city for three days. In this festivals many other interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Dasha Avatara masked dances, which are staged on the plinth of Narayan temple, just opposite the Kumari temple. On the last evening of the festival, the long wooden pole erected on the first day is lowered amid religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices. The image of White Bhairab, one of the fierce manifestations of Shiva is unveiled for three days each year during this festival at Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Indrachowk area.