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festivals
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.
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.
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.
Every temple has a story. Within it lies a deity who has provided some boon to its devotees. His/her celebration is an act of acknowledging their righteous act and reliving history. The Newars added pomp and flare to this celebration with mammoth chariots, traditional tunes and communal merrymaking.
