Mha Puja (literally, “Worship of the Self”) is a unique and deeply meaningful festival celebrated by the Newar community in Nepal, primarily in the Kathmandu Valley. Observed on the first day of the Newar New Year, which coincides with the Nepal Sambat calendar’s new year celebration, Mha Puja falls during Tihar (Diwali) and emphasizes self-purification, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year. Mha Puja is distinct from many other Nepalese and Hindu festivals because it centers on the individual rather than on deities or ancestors, signifying respect for oneself and one’s inner divinity.
Origins and Significance of Mha Puja
The celebration of Mha Puja is rooted in Newar philosophy and religious beliefs, especially those relating to Tantric Buddhism and Hinduism, which are prevalent among the Newars. The core concept of Mha Puja is that the body is a sacred vessel, a microcosm of the universe, and deserves to be honored. This festival recognizes the importance of purifying and empowering oneself, as the New Year is believed to bring renewed energy and opportunities.
Mha Puja signifies:
- Self-respect and Individual Identity: In a community-centered culture, Mha Puja emphasizes personal dignity, health, and wellness, encouraging individuals to reflect on their worth and purpose.
- Purification and Rejuvenation: Through rituals of self-purification, Mha Puja aims to cleanse physical, mental, and spiritual impurities.
- Prosperity and Good Fortune: The festival rituals are believed to invite prosperity, success, and good luck, symbolizing hope for a fruitful New Year.
Mha Puja Rituals and Celebrations
The celebration of Mha Puja involves a series of symbolic and sacred rituals performed by each family member in their home. Preparations for the festival begin early, with homes being thoroughly cleaned to remove negative energy and invite positivity.
Key Rituals of Mha Puja
- Mandala Creation: The primary ritual begins with the creation of a mandala on the floor, a colorful and intricate design representing the universe. Each person in the household has an individual mandala made for them, usually crafted from colored powders, rice grains, and flower petals. This mandala serves as a sacred space that symbolizes the individual’s essence and connects them to cosmic energy.
- Oil Lamps and Offerings: An oil lamp, symbolizing the light of the soul, is placed on each mandala and is kept lit throughout the ceremony. Offerings are placed around the mandala, including fruits, sweets, and rice, which represent abundance and nourishment. Incense sticks and marigold flowers are also common additions, symbolizing purification and divine blessings.
- Self-Worship Ceremony: Family members sit cross-legged in front of their respective mandalas. Each person is then blessed by a senior family member, who applies sagun—a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion—on the individual’s forehead, symbolizing good fortune and protection. During the ceremony, participants are encouraged to meditate and reflect on their inner selves.
- Tying of the Sacred Thread: A special thread, known as kija naya, is tied around each participant’s wrist, symbolizing a bond of protection and the blessings received. This thread is believed to guard against negative influences throughout the year.
- Sharing Food and Feasting: After the ritual, family members share a traditional Newari meal, which often includes beaten rice, buffalo meat, soybeans, and various delicacies. Sharing food reinforces the bonds of kinship and communal unity while honoring individual presence.
Mha Puja as a Celebration of the Nepal Sambat New Year
Mha Puja is also closely associated with the celebration of the New Year in the Nepal Sambat calendar. It marks a new beginning not only for the individual but also for the community and Newar society as a whole. In recent years, Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year have become more widely celebrated across Nepal, transcending the Newar community and gaining recognition as a symbol of Nepalese heritage and cultural diversity.
On the day of Mha Puja, the streets of Kathmandu Valley come alive with festive decorations, lights, and traditional music. Processions, music, and dances are performed, and people gather to celebrate their unique heritage. Newars observe the New Year with special events, parades, and cultural programs, with the festival of Mha Puja taking center stage as a reminder of self-worth, identity, and cultural pride.
Symbolism in Mha Puja
Mha Puja incorporates multiple layers of symbolism and meanings:
- The Mandala: The mandala on which each person worships signifies the universe within, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the self and the cosmos.
- Oil Lamp: The oil lamp is a symbol of the eternal soul, self-awareness, and enlightenment, guiding the individual towards a brighter future.
- Offerings and Food: Offerings represent abundance, gratitude, and the cycle of giving and receiving, reflecting the Newar value of mutual respect.
- Sagun Application: The rice, yogurt, and vermilion mixture signifies purity, protection, and blessings for health and fortune.
Mha Puja in Modern Times
In contemporary Nepal, Mha Puja has gained prominence, not only among Newars but also among Nepalese people interested in preserving indigenous culture. The recognition of Nepal Sambat as an official national calendar has helped bring Mha Puja to the forefront of Nepalese festivals, promoting a sense of pride in cultural heritage.
Younger generations are actively participating in Mha Puja and other traditional festivals, often sharing these practices on social media, which further spreads awareness and appreciation for Newar traditions.
Conclusion
Mha Puja is more than a festival—it is a profound affirmation of individual worth, unity, and cultural continuity. By worshiping the self, individuals acknowledge the divine within, embrace their inner strength, and honor their heritage. Through rituals, symbolism, and community celebrations, Mha Puja stands as a testament to the resilience, spirituality, and rich cultural identity of the Newar people and Nepal as a whole.
References
- Gellner, D. N. & Pradhan, K. (1995). Contested Hierarchies: A Collaborative Ethnography of Caste among the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Oxford University Press.
- Bajracharya, R. (2002). Newar Traditions and Rituals in Kathmandu Valley. Himal Books.
- Toffin, G. (2007). Newar Society: City, Village, and Periphery. Social Science Press.
- Shrestha, B. (2011). The Celebration of Mha Puja and its Significance in Newar Culture. Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
