At times it does feel true, we the Newar people seem to always have a reason to celebrate.
The Newar people also are known as Newa in Nepal Bhasa are the historical inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding territories and states. This region was historically called Nepal/ The Valley Kingdom of Nepal (Nepal Mandala). The history of this land can be divided into two: Ancient and Modern Nepal. The transition occurs after the unification campaign of Late King Prithvi Narayan Shah who is also known as the founder of Modern Nepal.
The Newar/ Newa people sociologically classified as an ethnic group. As they have their language (Nepal Bhasa), calendar( Nepal Sambat), behaviour, custom, tradition, cuisine, territorial association and heritage. Newars feature a set of diverse ethnicities who follow Hinduism and Buddhism.
“The Kathmandu Valley and surrounding territories constituted the former Newar kingdom of the Nepal Mandala. Unlike other common-origin ethnic or caste groups of Nepal, the Newars are regarded as an example of a nation community with a relict identity, derived from an ethnically-diverse, previously-existing polity. Newar community within it consists of various strands of ethnic, racial, caste and religiois heterogeneity, as they are the descendants of the diverse group of people that have lived in Nepal Mandala since prehistoric times. Indo- Aryan tribes like the Licchavis and Mallas (N) form respective Indian Mahajanapada (I.e Licchavis of Vajji and Malla(I)) that arrived at different periods eventually merged with the local population by adopting their language and customs. These tribes however retained their Vedic culture and brought with them their Sanskritic languages, socials structure and Hindu religion, which was assimilated with local cultures and gave rise to the current Newar civilization. Newar rule in Nepal Mandala ended with its conquest by the Gorkha Kingdom in 1768.” - Wikipedia
Saparu
Celebrated In: August- September*
The second day is known as Saparu, which in the local terminology is known as Gai Jatra. The day sees members of the family who have lost a member of their family during the past year, dress up in traditional outfits and parade around the city. Some households also parade cows during this day. Members of the Newar community also make a holy pilgrimage to the lake of Gosaikhunda, leaving to reach the lake on the day of Saparu. This is believed to help rid one's soul of past sins and foul.
Saparu is celebrated in various communities with each community having a different take. One of the most notable celebrations is conducted in the city of Bhaktapur. It draws an ample crowd to witness the community create humour and satire which is a traditional process created to uplift the spirits of the members of families who have lost a family member during the past year. In Patan, Matya is celebrated a day after Saparu, during when devotees make a holy pilgrimage to the various sites, temples and monuments in the core city of Patan. With over 3000 such sites, Matya is not an easy affair. Individuals clad in a special uniform carrying candles, or dress up as comical characters to help create an environment of laughter and joy. Devotees are generally members of households who have lost a family member or devotees who wish to partake. As no restrictions are placed even enthusiasts of national and international decent join in this holy pilgrimage.
The last day of Gunhu Punhi is Krishnastami, celebrated as the day of birth of Lord Krishna an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Various micro festivities are conducted in all vicinities of the Newar communities such as Narsingha Yatra in Lalitpur, Krishna Puja in all three Newar cities and devotees queue to offer prayer and worship at the Krishna Temple in Patan.
Pancha Dan
Celebrated In: August- September*
Pancha denotes five and Dan giving alms. The name is derived from the five gifts presented as alms which include rice grains, unhusked rice grains, salt, money and pulses. Observed by the Buddhist communities of the Newar Ethnicity, this day sees various activities such as display of metal sculptures of the various Buddha’s, Lokeshwor’s and deities along with giving alms to Buddhist monks also known as dharma. Different days are designated in the cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, and glimpses of Pancha Dan can also be seen in Panauti and Banepa.
*: As Newar festivals are celebrated according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar, the dates in the Gregorian calendar are interchangeable.
