Ghanshyam was now eight years of age when it was decided to give him a Yagnopavit [to have a religious thread-ceremony]. Yajnopavit (Janoi) is a religious and sacred rite. It is said that the child to whom the Janoi is given is reborn. He is called Dwij, twice-born. After wearing this religious thread, the child has to proceed for study to his teacher’s place. When he starts going there, he is brought back by a relative running after him.
Young Ghanshyam ran with a book under his armpit and a staff of ‘butea frondosa’ [Palas Dand] in the hand. He decided in his mind, not to return home and to go straight to the Himalayas. His maternal uncle was totally exhausted running after Ghanshyam. Seeing his uncle’s condition, Ghanshyam suddenly halted. He thought, “If I leave the home right now, my parents and others would be very unhappy. So there is no need to be in hurry to leave the home.”
Meanwhile the uncle approached; he brought Ghanshyam back, carrying him in his hands. Ghanshyam bowed down to his parents, the elders, and the brahmins. The yajnopavit celebration was over.