The annual bathing (Maha Snan) ritual of Janabaha Dyo is held at Janabaha every year on Poush Shukla (Pohelathwo) Ashtami (the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Poush). This annual affair is celebrated till the full moon exactly a week away. In the weeklong festival, several other activities are also incorporated, closely resembling the primary rituals that one has to go through in life. 

An interesting fact is that the living goddess “Kumari” of Kathmandu herself is brought here to witness this auspicious event.

They also take out smaller deities i.e. Green Tara and White Tara(Luku tara and Buku tara), and keep them on either side of the deity. The commencement ritual is performed by the main priest who is dressed as Panchabuddha on the platform, the other two priests begin the bathing ritual for Janabahā Dyo and two smaller deities by removing their clothes.

After that the two priests hold earthen pots filled with cold water, which is collected a day prior by the priests and male members of the Mahavihar from Bhachakhushi of Shova Bhagwati. Following additional rituals performed by other priests, the two priests pour a mixture of cold water, milk, and ghee over the deities, accompanied by traditional instruments Paintah, Dha baja, and Dhime baja. This process is repeated two more times, followed by a fourth instance where hot water is poured by the main priest.

The elaborate tantric ceremony represents the annual renewal of the deity’s physical form, which is a reminder to mankind that even a Godly status must follow the perpetual cycle of life and death.

After completing the rituals, the priests dress the deities in clothes and take them inside the main temple, without reinstating them to their original positions.