Mha Puja is a traditional Newar event that dates back centuries. Since ancient times, it has been observed as an unique celebration by the Newar Comminute of Nepal Mandal(Kathmandu Valley). This festival, known as Mha Puja, is observed by worshiping not only one’s self and spirit, but also the everyday emblems of prosperity such as Kucho, Nanglo, Gagri, Karuva, Silouta, and Chulo.
On the fourth day of Swanti Nakha (Tihar-Dipwali), the Newar community celebrates Nhun Daya Bhintuna न्हूँ दँया भिन्तुना (Happy New Year) by celebrating Nepal Sambhat(Newa Era) in the morning and Mha Puja at home in the evening.
Mha Puja is a term for body worship. The Mha Puja festival is celebrated by the Newar community on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the fourth night of Swanti Nakha (Tihar-Dipwali), by honoring their bodies. On this day, Mha Puja is performed in order to dispel the shadows and disperse the wisdom that enables one to understand both their own soul and the cosmos as a whole.
The Newars rise early on the day of Mha Puja , clean their homes, take baths, dress in clean clothes, prepare a variety of dishes, and create a mandala in the evening to represent their souls. In order to conduct Mha Puja , it is initially covered in red clay. After wrapping, clean water is sprinkled to create a Mandala(Mana:). An oil Mandala(Mana:) is then created. On top of that, made on a rice flour Mandala(Mana:) that represents the person. The Mandala(Mana:) is then filled with raw Black Soybeans, Akhya (black rice made by removing the Rice husk), and the four corners.
Starting at the bottom of the home, the family members take seats in front of the Mandala(Mana:). On the house’s radish, a mandala of Lord Ganesh is created. The Mandala(Mana:) is embellished with fruits like Bimiro, Bhogte, Orange, Banana, Mango, Walnut, Apple, Amla, Mausam, Chaksi, Haluvaveda, Wire, etc. Kokha, a garland constructed of five-colored cloth scraps strung together with raw thread, a Marigold flower garland, and Godavari and Marigold flowers are placed on top of it.
Sukunda is lit to begin Mha Puja, and Lord Ganesh is worshipped. It is customary for the Nakin (Elder Women) of the household to perform this puja. Each participant in this puja is honored in the same way as the goddess, along with three rice breads (Mutumari), pieces of five-colored flowers, Amla, Walnuts, Tai, Jungedhan, Akhya, and three body parts (Shoulder, Knee, and Head). Pouring is used to perform Kule (wooden Pathi). A religious principle prohibits stand up till kheluita(खेलइता) lighting during Mha Puja.
Following the completion of the puja, fruits are distributed along with Bimiro, Kokha, Garlands, and Marigold flower . Kokha and flower garlands are also placed on the Head flower. Following that, if the kheluita(खेलइता) is still burning, the Nakin from the bottom is worshiped with a new Chucho on the day of Lakshmi Puja in Dhukuti, and it is then brought to the location where Lord Ganesh is worshiped. It is customary to leave it the following morning and submerge it in the river.
They sit in their designated locations after finishing the Mha Puja and distribute Khe Sagan (Egg Sagun) from senior to junior family members. She offers Eggs, Fish, and Wine as Khe Sagan (Egg Sagun). Following this method of consuming Khe Sagan (Egg Sagun), it is customary to partake in a feast with a variety of dishes.
By acknowledging oneself and the entire world, Mha Puja is performed with the intention of illuminating the world. In addition, it is done in the hopes that all illnesses and sins in the body would be wiped out and life will be prolonged.
“I am God, I am the cosmos, and by knowing myself, I can bring about the welfare of the entire world.” On Mha Puja is a representation of knowledge worship performed on one’s self and soul in order to illuminate the world. “Mha Puja Puja is conducted on the fourth day of Yamapanchak,” .The Lakshmi Puja is the day before that. From Kojagrat Purnima to Aunsi, 16 Lakshmi Puja are held on that day. Mha Puja is the kind of worship used to represent this wealth.
While the origins of Mha Puja and its organizers are unknown, the Newar community has been commemorating it since the Lichchavi Era.
Comments