Janoi's Significance

What is Yagnopavitam (Janoi)?
Sanskrit words “Yagnopavitam” or "Yagnopavit" is the sacred thread worn by Hindus. ‘Yagna’ means sacrifice and ‘Upavita’ means worn upon. Therefore, Yagnopavitam literally means "worn for sacrifice.” In Gujarat and other states of India, Yajnopavit is also known as Janoi or Janeva. It symbolizes the commitment to a life of learning, duty, and service. It's worn across the left shoulder and under the right arm. The thread is typically made of cotton or silk and consists of three strands, representing the three Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda). The wearing of the Yagnopavit is an important part of the Upanayanam ceremony, which marks the beginning of formal education for the individual.
What is Upanayanam?
Upanayan or Upanayanam is a significant Hindu ceremony that marks the commencement of formal education in the Vedic tradition. ‘Upa’ means close or near, and ‘Nayanam’ means to bring or to lead. Therefore, Upanayan means "bringing closer" or "leading towards" It's considered a crucial rite of passage/transit, often likened to a "second birth" in the spiritual sense (Knowledge & Wisdom). The ceremony involves the wearing of the sacred thread (Yagnopavit) by the individual. It signifies the start of learning the sacred Gayatri Mantra and other Vedic texts.
History of Yagnopavit?
Hindu faith requires a few Sanskara ceremonies to be performed by any born soul such as Chulakarma(Mundan or first hair cut), Annaprashan (baby’s first solid food), Griha Pravesh (moving into a new house for the first time), Janoi, Marriage and so on. For Brahmins, Janoi ceremony is the symbolic second birth to a new spiritual life and quest for knowledge. Hence, Brahmins are sometimes referred to as Dwija meaning twice born. When a child goes through this Sacred thread Sanskara, he gets ready to start getting knowledge at the hands of a Guru - a learned man. The ceremony guides the child into taking a pledge of undertaking an eternal pursuit of knowledge - secular and spiritual. Hindus don't recommend pursuing that without a Guru’s help. In the past this involved moving in with the Guru and his family. They usually lived in secluded places congenial to studies. The child leaves his parents and the Guru and his wife become surrogate parents.