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 worship. This festival holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning, honoring wealth, self, and family bonds.
Swonti Nakha takes place during the lunar month of Kartik (October–November) and follows the lunar calendar, with key dates as follows:
- Laxmi Puja (Aunshi – New Moon Day): Worship of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
- Mha Puja (Pratipada – First Waxing Moon Day): Worship of the self, marking self-purification and the beginning of Nepal Sambat (Newar New Year).
- Kija Puja / Bhai Tika (Dwitiya – Second Waxing Moon Day): Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters perform rituals to bless their brothers.
While Tihar is widely celebrated across Nepal, Swonti Nakha carries distinct Newar traditions, making it an integral part of Newar heritage. Each day has its unique rituals and significance, making Swonti Nakha a festival of light, purification, and familial devotion.
Laxmi Puja – Honoring the Goddess of Wealth
Laxmi Puja is a day dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of prosperity and fortune. It is believed that on this night, Laxmi visits homes that are clean, bright, and welcoming, bringing wealth and good fortune to the household. Read more details on Laxmi Puja >>>
Key Traditions of Laxmi Puja
- Homes and businesses are cleaned and beautifully decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and electric lights to attract Goddess Laxmi.
- Colorful rangoli (mandalas) are drawn at doorways, with a special footprint design symbolizing Laxmi’s arrival.
- A sacred pathway (Alpana) made of rice flour and vermillion extends from the entrance to the household shrine, guiding the goddess inside.
- Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and oil lamps are placed before the idol or image of Goddess Laxmi.
- In Newar tradition, Laxmi is not only worshipped as the goddess of wealth but also associated with agricultural prosperity, making Vasundhara and Annapurna important deities during this time.
On Laxmi Puja night, the atmosphere is filled with prayers, hymns, and songs praising the goddess, while children go door-to-door singing Bhailo, a traditional form of blessing for the household.
Mha Puja – Worship of the Self and the Newar New Year
Mha Puja, meaning “self-worship” in the Newar language, is the most spiritually significant aspect of Swonti Nakha. It is not only a ritual for purification and self-respect but also marks the Newar New Year (Nepal Sambat). Read more on Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat >>>
Read step-by-step guide to perform Mha Puja >>>
Unlike other festivals that involve worshiping gods or ancestors, Mha Puja is unique because it focuses on oneself, recognizing the divine essence and inner strength within each person.
Key Rituals of Mha Puja
- The house is cleaned and purified, and a sacred mandala (yantra) is drawn for each family member.
- Each person sits in front of their own mandala, and the eldest family member performs the ritual of purification and blessing.
- Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, oil lamps, and sacred water are made to honor one’s body and soul.
- Traditional Newar feasts are prepared, including beaten rice (baji), spiced meats, lentil pancakes, and homemade liquor (aila).
Mha Puja signifies self-awareness, gratitude, and inner prosperity, encouraging individuals to start the New Year with a purified spirit and positive energy.
Kija Puja (Bhai Tika) – Honoring the Bond Between Brothers and Sisters
Kija Puja, also known as Bhai Tika, is a day dedicated to celebrating the sibling bond, particularly between brothers and sisters. The festival symbolizes love, protection, and gratitude, with sisters performing special rituals to bless their brothers for a long and prosperous life.
Key Rituals of Kija Puja
- Sisters prepare a sacred mandala (protective circle) for their brothers to sit on.
- Red Rice Tika is applied to the brother’s forehead, symbolizing protection, well-being, and good fortune. This is part of traditional newari Dhau Sagan ritual.
- Brothers receive garlands of Gway Swa or Supari Phool (Gomphrena globosa), ensuring their longevity and safety.
- A special feast is prepared, including traditional foods like sel roti, sweets, and beaten rice.
- In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters, expressing their appreciation and gratitude.
One of the most important aspects of Kija Puja is the mythological connection to Yamuna and Yamaraj (the god of death). It is believed that Yamuna performed Bhai Tika rituals for her brother Yamaraj, ensuring that no harm would come to him. Thus, it is said that those who receive Kija Puja blessings are protected from untimely death.
The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Swonti Nakha
Swonti Nakha is a festival of prosperity, purification, and familial love. Unlike many other festivals that focus on external deities and offerings, Swonti is deeply rooted in personal reflection, self-respect, and strengthening family relationships.
Why Swonti Nakha is Unique
- Laxmi Puja connects spirituality with prosperity, emphasizing the importance of both material wealth and agricultural abundance.
- Mha Puja is a rare cultural tradition that prioritizes self-respect, self-awareness, and gratitude, setting the foundation for inner peace and success.
- Kija Puja (Bhai Tika) strengthens the bond between siblings, reinforcing the values of love, protection, and mutual care.
This festival is not just a celebration but a reflection of Newar identity and heritage. While the rest of Nepal observes Tihar as a festival of lights, the Newar community celebrates Swonti Nakha as a holistic spiritual experience, marking the beginning of a new year, new blessings, and renewed family ties.
Conclusion
Swonti Nakha, the Newar version of Tihar, beautifully weaves together worship, self-purification, and familial love into a three-day festival. From honoring Goddess Laxmi for prosperity to Mha Puja’s self-reflection and Kija Puja’s sibling bond, this festival encapsulates cultural richness, spiritual depth, and family unity.
As Newars continue to celebrate Nepal Sambat and Swonti Nakha with pride, this festival remains a testament to the vibrant traditions and timeless values that define Newar culture and Nepalese heritage.
References
- Nepali Chad-Parbaharu Ko Bibechana, Mana Bajra Bajracharya, 1968