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Nepal Festivals
In ancient times, the ajima’s were regarded the ultimate protectors of the valley. They were strategicallly placed in cardinal points along with military infrastructre to ensure the cities protection from both physcial and supernatural forces. Amongst, the mother goddesses of Kathmandu is Nyata Bhulu Ajiima.
Chhath is a festival committed to worshiping the Sun god and his beloved wife Usha. The sole purpose of this special day is to thank god for supporting life on our planet and seek blessings from the holy Sun god.
Tihar is the second largest national festival of Nepal. It bares similarities to Dipwawali celebrated in our neighboring nation. The festival is celebrated for a total of 5-days. During which various animals, birds and gods are worshipped. Each day has its own symbolism and each community has its own tradition and ritual process of observing the festival.
Dashain- a grand celebration of victory over evil. The festival at its core is similar to Dashera celebrated in India but over time numerous elements have been through cultural practise. It is a festival with deep symbolism and roots in all of our cultures
While most of us rejoice for nine days in the most auspicious festivity of Dashain, people of the Newa community partake in a unique cultural blend in a historic town. For ages, the post-harvest celebration has had its own significance and this Newar festival for the people of Khokana is parallel to the ideologies of Dashain, ‘Victory of good over evil.’
According to legends, it is believed that the mother of Lord Intra required a Parijat( a white flower) to perform a ritual. For which Lord Indra descended to earth in search of the flower. He disguised himself as a commoner and while trying to take the flower out of the lawn of a Jyapu. He caught Lord Indra and held him captive blaming him of trying to steal. Lord Indra was imprisoned and not allowed to go back to heaven.
Amongst the great celebrations of this valley, nothing beats the pomp and flair of Yenya Punhi. Commonly known as Indra Jatra- a name derived from the lore of Indra- the heaven king's visit to Nepal. This festival is larger than life, with symbolism and meaning going back thousands of years- neatly preserved by the Newars.
For an outsider to truly experience Mohni, s/he has to be invited by a Newar to their home. Over the years, due to its close celebratory proximity to Dashera, the grand festival of India, it was also considered Dashain- the Nepali rendition of Dashera. But, in reality, Mohni features a few similar elements brought by migrants from the south. Apart from this, the customs and traditions are completely different.
Annually on the day of Bhadra Krishna Pratiprada, the valley of Kathmandu wakes to celebrate a festival like no other. Known as Sa Paru in Newari, and Gai Jatra in the Nepali, during the day individuals choose to commemorate the members of their family who have recently departed.
The spectacle of Indra Jatra is an experience of a lifetime. It isn't just a tradition but a heritage of the Newar culture and its people.An amalgam of various traditions, it is a period of great joy and devotion.
The festival of Indra Jatra is a grand amalgam of traditions. This day is the biggest festival for the Newar community of Kathmandu. Its sister cities also have their methods to mark the day. The elements of which all-together help create a vibrant atmosphere and pompous flare.
In this edition, we look into the moving temple of Bhaktapur. Commonly referred to as Biska Jatra, it is a unique celebration exclusive to the principalities of Bhaktapur. Celebrated with utmost veneration and respect, it overtime has become an intangible landmark. The highlights are the tug-of-war, vermilion festival and the tongue piercing ceremony.
