One of the most well-known Newar celebrations, Gunhu Punhi, lasts for nine days. On the first day, the Newar consume a soup called Kwati Punhi that is made of spouted mixed cereals.
The Newar people of Nepal refer to the day of Janai Purnima as Gunhi Punhi. The day to complete a nine-country circumambulation is also observed on this full moon. On this day, it is said that if you wear nine different kinds of clothing, eat nine different kinds of vegetables, wash your face nine times, and walk throughout the entire nation, you will be saved. All nine of these areas of interest face east. Nine different types of pulses that had been soaked four days prior are consumed on this day.
The second day of Gunhu Punhi is at Sa:Paru. On this day, locals who lost a family member that year dressed as cows paraded through the neighborhood. Cows are thought to make the lost soul’s passage into paradise easier. Today’s portrayal of humor and sarcasm is astounding.
The final day of Gunhu Punhi is Krishnajanmastami, the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. In the valley between, many dances are held in various locations.
Kwati Punhi
Kwati is a blend of nine different kinds of sprouting beans. It is a typical Newari dish eaten on the festival of Gunhi Punhi, which occurs on the full moon day of Gunla Month, the tenth month in the Nepal Bhasa calendar. Kwati is used as a delicacy, for its therapeutic properties, and for ritual purposes. Kwati is a well-known nutritious cuisine. It is reputed to be one of the greatest foods for mothers on maternity leave and to treat colds and coughs. This recipe’s high protein content, which comes from the variety of beans it contains, aids in helping sick or weak people restore their vitality.
Kwati is used as a delicacy, for its therapeutic properties, and for ritual purposes. Kwati is a well-known nutritious cuisine. It is reputed to be one of the greatest foods for mothers on maternity leave and to treat colds and coughs. This recipe’s high protein content, which comes from the variety of beans it contains, aids in helping sick or weak people restore their vitality.
The name “Kwati” is derived from two words that mean Kwa “Hot” and Ti “Soup,” therefore it refers to a hot soup that contains a variety of nine different sprouting beans. Lentils,Green Pea, White Pea, Chickpea, Soybean, Filed Pea, Beans, Cowpea, and Ricebean.
Farmers need the right nourishment to replenish their physical stamina after engaging in the traditional manner of planting rice and doing a lot of physical labor throughout the growing season. Thus, Kwati serves as a source of nutrients for the weary farmers. In Nepal, the Newari community consumed Kwati more frequently than other ethnic groups at first, but that changed with time.
Likewise, in this day Newar Comminuty participates in a unique ceremony today called “Byan-ja Nakegu,” which literally translates to “offerings to the Frogs” The farmers walk to their beautiful, green rice field early in the morning to leave flowers, Dried rice, Boiling rice, and Kwati as a symbol of appreciation for the good rain during plantation season. Frogs are beneficial to farmers because they guard rice harvests from damaging pests like rice case Worms, Rice Hispa, Paddy Grasshoppers, and Swarming Caterpillars. Frogs are biological pest controllers for rice. Similar to this, there is a long-standing tradition of praising and feeding Frogs.
One same day celebrates in Nepal’s most grandiose festivities as Janai Purnima. This holiday takes place during Bhadra’s bright fortnight (August).Everyone receives Doro (Janai), a protective cord knotted in one’s hand, from the Brahmines.
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