The Bajracharya 
Ganesh Chaturthi in Newar Culture: Chatha (चथा) Ganesh Chaturthi, known as Chatha (चथा) in the Newar community of Nepal, is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity. Ganesh Chaturthi (Chatha) marks the birth of Lord Ganesh and is observed on the fourth day of … Read more
The Many Faces of Holi Holi Festival, in short Holi, in Newari language Holi Punhi, celebrated in the month of Fagun (March) on full moon day, is observed in various ways. Some celebrate it as Basantotsav (Spring Festival), while others associate it with the legend of Holika, who tried to burn Prahlad but perished in … Read more
Historical Perspective of Sri Krishna in Nepal The personal significance of Sri Krishna does not appear to have been deeply embedded in Nepalese society during ancient historical periods. This is evident from the absence of authentic Krishna idols from the Licchavi era in the Kathmandu Valley. While numerous statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Vishnu from … Read more
Introduction to Gai Jatra The festival of Gai Jatra is observed on the day following the full moon of the month of Shrawan. Traditionally, families who have lost loved ones in the past year participate in this festival by dressing up individuals to represent cows or decorating actual cows for a citywide procession. At various … Read more
Understanding the Representation of Nāga The term Nāga generally refers to a serpent. In our cultural traditions, the external depiction of Nāga is often represented as a snake. However, according to ancient philosophers, the concept of Nāga extends beyond its physical serpent form. Our ancestors, who were deep thinkers, symbolized water using the form of … Read more
Understanding the Historical Context To truly understand the significance of Gathe Mangal, it is essential to explore the traditions and historical context of Kathmandu’s society during the ancient Malla period. The history of that era remains incomplete, as historians have yet to conduct an in-depth study of its literature, inscriptions, and other archaeological records. However, … Read more
What is Tantra? The word Tantra (तन्त्र) comes from Sanskrit and means “technique”. In Newar Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, Tantra represents a set of practices designed to accelerate the path to enlightenment. Vajrayana is often called “Tantric Buddhism” because it emphasizes these techniques. A practitioner of Tantra, known as a Tantric, is someone … Read more
Early Life and Historical Context Manju Bajra Bajracharya, also spelled as Manju Vajra Vajracharya, in Sanskrit मञ्जु बज्र बज्राचार्य, widely known as Jamana Gubhaju (जा मन: गुभाजु), was a renowned Buddhist priest and Tantric master born in the 16th century during the Malla Dynasty, under the reign of King Pratap Malla (1641–1674 CE). He was … Read more
Surat Bajra Bajracharya: The Great Mahasiddha of Kathmandu Valley Surat Bajra Bajracharya, also written as Surat Vajra Vajracharya, in Sanskrit सुरत बज्र बज्राचार्य, Surat (सुरत) means “good conduct”, “virtue” or “love”, is one of the most popular Bajracharyas in the Kathmandu Valley. He is one of the four most renowned Bajracharyas, respected in the Newar … Read more
Introduction: Worshipping the Self in Mha Puja Mha Puja, in Newari म्ह: पुजा, in Sanskrit देह पुजा, a sacred ritual practiced by the Newar community in Nepal, derives its name from the Newari word Mha (म्ह:), which translates to “body”. However, in the context of Mha Puja, Mha refers to the entire self – body, … Read more