A common question arises from the non-Newar community, why do Newars have so many festivals? We have been presented with this question many times. The answer requires us to indulge the other in numerous tales and stories.
In short, the Newars, native inhabitants of the valley, are a community with diversity. Our culture developed through migration. Our ancestors chose to call this place home, detaching themselves from their place of origin due to numerous factors.
We brought with us our old culture. We continued the traditions in our new home and added to it elements from other cultures. Over time through cross-cultural mingling and communal unity, our new identity was born, Newars.
As we distanced ourselves from the patterns of our old tradition, we could filter it, meaning remove what was unimportant and add new elements to it. It is why some celebrations might seem similar such as Dashain and Tihar. Newars developed their new methodology of celebrating these landmark occasions, which became our tradition and heritage.
Isolation is also a crucial factor. Given the Himalayas are hard to reach due to the harsh topography, our culture was isolated, allowing it to preserve its core. This isolation is also the reason why the Himalayas are Shangri-La. The ancestors of many Newars had fled from their native homeland in a bygone era to escape war and evil. Thus, numerous old traditions such as the Kumari, which were once practised all over Ancient India, survived and prospered.
This diversity within our community, along with stark economic growth, allowed us to spend our time and money lavishly on celebrations. Let us not forget, temples don’t fall out of trees. We built these monumental heritages due to our economic might. Given god is all: the creator, preserver and destroyer, we made sure to please the plentiful gods to ensure our well-being.
We developed various practices to remove evil from our society and ensure social stability. The success of which allowed Newars to reach pinnacles unmatched. The status of Newars today is defined by one phrase, what goes up will eventually come down.
As part of this cultural mechanism developed to create social harmony, Gathe Muga Chare also known as Gathe Mangal is marked as the first day of the festive calendar. This day in brief, features ritualistic processes to remove evil from the society. Evil in the form of plagues, spirits and demons are attached to the scarecrow which was used for the plantation season.
Click Here: To read the tales of Gathe Muga
Post which, numerous festivals keep the social current flowing. The month of Gunla features pilgrimages to fords (holy places near water) and Buddhist heritages. After which is the period of Gunhu Punhi. The inhabitants pay homage to their ancestors and those who recently departed from this mortal world. Amongst the many activities, Saparu, also known as Gai Jatra, is the highlight. It is marked with avid fanfare and is a non-tangible heritage of this valley. In Lalitpur, Mataya, a pilgrimage takes place on the final day. Individuals who recently lost a family member embark on this journey.
Click Here: To read more about Mataya: The Festival of Light
Pancha Daan commences in all three cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and its sister principalities (Banepa and Panauti). During this occasion, effigies of Dipankar Buddha, along with other champions of Buddhism, are displayed by Buddhist householders.
In a short few months after Pancha Dan, the festival of Indra commences. Post which, the grand festivities of Monhi and Swanti (Dashain and Tihar) begin.
Click here: To learn more about Newar festivities
In short, these occasions play a role in stabilising society and developing communal harmony. They help renew our faith in the chief deities and allow us to unite.
