Siti Nakha: A day with deeper meaning
The Kathmandu Valley is the home of the Newars, an indigenous group that has reached pinnacles in all genres of society. Archaeological finds from as early as the 6th century present a highly developed community.
One of the most striking elements of the Newars is the sizable amount of cultural rituals and traditions. These festivals, customs and events aren’t just celebrations. They hold various meanings: symbolic and literal.
The day in focus, Siti Nakha is a similar event that holds a deep and dark meaning. Historians have not been able to pin when this tradition began, but it has relations with the urbanisation of this valley. Historical materials are scarce due to the practice of surface archaeology.
If you’ve been around the present-day central areas of the three cities, you’ll notice something peculiar. None of them has a dedicated natural water source. They are almost 4-6 km away from the dwelling. Thus, citizens rely on groundwater.
The secondary is through spouts. These feature an intricate system of ‘Raj Kulo’ ( royal water channel system).
The monarch’s primarily Lichhavi kings, also devised an intricate watershed system. These are for emergency or to maintain stock of the vital resource. It is the prime reason why Newar cities feature ample amounts of man-made ponds. Each community has its pond, spout and wells.
Now, why is this important?
Siti Nakha is marked right before the prime plantation season, which is during peak summer and beginning of monsoon. This time of year equals waterborne illnesses and pests if the spout, shed or source are contaminated. Stagnant pools are a haven for mosquitoes; they always make things worse.
Crowding in urban areas, improper waste management system, open defecation and unsanitary habits gave birth to gruesome epidemics. Elders still speak of these hellish days when life hung on the balance. The state and community devised Siti Nakha to mitigate the nightmare. It falls on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Jestha (Siti Sasthi). The day begins with the worship of Lord Kumar/ Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. A mandap (mandala) of Lord Kumar is drawn at the Pikhalakhu (a place outside the house) by the elder.
While the male members make ready cleaning supplies, women mince lentils soaked overnight. They are then pan-fried. This delicacy is known as Wo, pan-fried lentil patties. It is served as an accoutrement during a bhwe (Newar full plate) or consumed as a snack. Individuals then embark to their closest water area and work full-swing to ensure its fit. Depending upon the community, lunch for this day is Chatamari, rice flour crepes. It is either served with sides or topped with delicious toppings such as eggs, diced vegetables or minced meat. Modern renditions include toppings such as sauce, cheese and aged meat. Chatamaris versatility gives it status equal to an American Pizza in the Newar community.
Families delight themselves in a Newar full plate accompanied by traditional liquors such as Jaad/Chyyang (Rice Beer) and Aila (Spirit) during the evening. Dessert includes a light portion of beaten rice followed by a generous serving of yoghurt topped with sugar, radish and carrot sticks.
Another significance of this day, it marks the completion of the festive calendar. Newars for the upcoming month engage themselves in rice plantation. Once complete, they place or throw scarecrows (Gathe Mwo) at the nearest crossroad. This day is known as Gathe Mugah. It marks the beginning of the Newar festive calendar as well. Communities must also complete the Dewali Puja, ceremonial worship of the tutelary deity before celebrating Siti Nakha. Dewali Puja includes a ceremony that welcomes the newlywed daughter-in-law into the family.