The Newar community celebrates a diverse range of festivals throughout the year, blending religious devotion, cultural traditions, and communal harmony. Rooted in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, these festivals mark important events in the lunar calendar, changing seasons, and life cycles. Major celebrations include grand processions, masked dances, feasts, and rituals that honor deities, ancestors, and nature. From Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, and Mha Puja to Yomari Punhi, Sithi Nakha, and many more, each festival carries its own unique significance and traditions. These vibrant celebrations not only preserve the rich Newar heritage but also bring communities together in a spirit of joy, remembrance, and gratitude.
The Significance of Sithi Nakha Sithi Nakha (सिथी नखा) is a festival celebrated at the beginning of the monsoon season, observed annually on Jestha Shukla Shashti (the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Jestha), which typically falls in May or June in the Gregorian calendar. Since it marks the onset of … Read more
The Importance of Maghe Sankranti – Ghya Chaku Sahlu Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festival that marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi), signifying the shift from Dakshinayan (southern movement) to Uttarayan (northern movement). This event, which occurs annually on the first day of the Nepali … Read more
Swonti Nakha: The Festival of Lights and Worship in Nepal Swonti Nakha, commonly known as Tihar Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Nepal, particularly for the Newar community. The term Swonti originates from the Newar words “Swonu Tithi”, meaning a three-day festival, where each day is dedicated to a unique form of … Read more
The Origins of Nepal Sambat In Nepalese history, determining which official calendar was in use until the Licchavi era remains a challenge. Historians hold differing opinions – some suggest the Shaka Sambat, while others propose the Vikram Sambat, Licchavi Sambat, or Gupta Sambat. Due to the lack of definitive evidence, no consensus has been reached. … Read more
Laxmi Puja: A Cultural and Economic Perspective Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Due to its favorable climate, rice is the main crop cultivated here. In ancient times, food grains were the fundamental economic resource for any nation. Since rice is the principal crop in Nepal, the month of Kartik (October–November) on Aunshi (औंशी) – … Read more
Dashain: Nepal’s Grandest Festival and Its Celebration in Newar Culture Dashain (दशैं), the most significant festival in Nepal, is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur across the country. It is a time for family reunions, rituals, and joyous festivities that span ten days in the month of Aswin (September–October). Among the Newar community in the … Read more
The Beginning of Dashain with Ghatasthapana Ghatasthapana (घटस्थापना) marks the auspicious beginning of Navaratri Puja (नवरात्री पूजा), an integral part of Dashain, in Newari Mohani. It is celebrated on the first day of the Dashain/Mohani festival, on Pratipada of the lunar calendar, which falls in the month of Aswin (September–October). Although Dashain is primarily associated … Read more
Indra and His Historical Relevance To understand the practical significance of Indra Jatra, we must first comprehend the true nature of Indra, a figure renowned since the Vedic era. However, this is not a straightforward task. In mythological texts, Indra is described as the king of gods residing in heaven. But where exactly is heaven? … Read more
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