Mha Puja Newar Tihar: The Festival of Self-Worship, Light, and New Beginnings
22nd October 2025, Kathmandu
Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated with joy, devotion, and togetherness across Nepal. However, for the Newar community, this festival holds a deeper cultural and spiritual essence.
Mha Puja Newar Tihar
Beyond the glitter of lights and rituals, Mha Puja, the worship of the self, and the Nepal Sambat New Year define the uniqueness of Newar Tihar.
Meaning and Significance of Mha Puja
The term Mha Puja literally translates to “worship of the self.” It is a centuries-old Newar ritual symbolizing self-purification, self-respect, and self-awareness. Unlike typical religious worship, Mha Puja represents an inner journey of enlightenment, cleansing one’s body, soul, and consciousness.
According to cultural scholar and writer Sushil Rajopadhyaya, during Mha Puja, each family member sits before a mandap (sacred diagram) known as Jalak Mandap. Another mandap made from oil is also drawn, decorated with incense, lamps, rice, and puffed rice (lava). This mandap symbolizes one’s soul, a personal space of purity and spiritual reflection.
Rajopadhyaya explains, “Just as we cleanse our body with water, Mha Puja cleanses the mind and soul from within.”
The Ritual of Sagan: Blessings of Five Life Elements
An integral part of Mha Puja is the offering of Sagan, a sacred combination of five symbolic items: fish, egg, bara (lentil pancake), meat, and alcohol.
These represent the five essential life forces of vitality, strength, creation, balance, and energy.
The eldest woman in the family offers Sagan to each member as a blessing for prosperity and long life. This act symbolizes self-acceptance and self-love, reminding everyone of their own worth and existence.
Hindu and Buddhist Variations in Mha Puja
Newars follow both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and therefore, the rituals of Mha Puja differ slightly between the two groups.
Hindu Newars draw water and oil mandaps, light oil lamps, offer incense, rice, and puffed rice, and apply dahi tika (yogurt mark). After prayers, the eldest woman distributes prasada from Laxmi Puja, and the family shares a festive meal.
Buddhist Newars decorate their mandaps with flowers, lamps, and aromatic offerings, performing meditation to honor their inner spirit.
Despite these variations, the core message of Mha Puja remains the same: to purify, honor, and strengthen the self.
Bhai Puja (Kija Puja): Celebrating the Bond of Siblings
The day following Mha Puja is celebrated as Bhai Puja, or Kija Puja, by the Newar community. It is similar to Bhai Tika but observed with unique Newar rituals.
Sisters draw mandaps for their brothers and place a bimiro (a symbolic fruit representing Yama, the god of death) on it. They apply a red tika made from curd, rice, and vermilion (abir), wishing their brothers a long, prosperous, and happy life. Gifts and blessings are exchanged, reinforcing love and respect among siblings.
For those without siblings, Rani Pokhari Temple in Kathmandu becomes a place of spiritual connection. They visit the temple to receive tika and blessings, ensuring that no one feels alone during this festival of love and unity.
Laxmi Puja and the Nepal Sambat New Year
In the Newar calendar, Laxmi Puja marks not just the worship of the goddess of wealth but also the end of the financial year. Families balance their income and expenses on this day, considering it a moment to review and restart.
The night of Laxmi Puja signifies the last night of the old year, while the following day, Mha Puja heralds the beginning of the Nepal Sambat New Year. Families worship Goddess Laxmi by placing all valuables and financial records before her.
The next morning, they open a new account book (bahi khata), marking the start of a new financial and spiritual year.
The Origin of Nepal Sambat
The Nepal Sambat calendar traces its origin to Shankhadhar Sakhwa, a revered philanthropist and national hero. As per legend, he discovered gold dust in the sands of Lakhutirtha in Bhaktapur and used it to free the citizens of Kathmandu from debt.
This act of compassion and generosity marked the beginning of Nepal Sambat, symbolizing liberation, equality, and gratitude. Continuing this legacy, every year, Mha Puja marks the start of a new Nepal Sambat year, which this year is Nepal Sambat 1146.
A Festival of Self-Realization and Renewal
Cultural expert Rajopadhyaya summarizes beautifully, “Mha Puja and Tihar are not just rituals; they are reflections of self-respect, purity, and human connection.”
Even Newars living abroad celebrate Mha Puja, remembering their roots, their community, and their homeland. It is a festival that transcends religion and geography a reminder that true light begins within oneself.
From Laxmi Puja’s financial closure, to Mha Puja’s self-worship, and Bhai Puja’s bond of love, Newar Tihar represents the perfect harmony of spirituality, family, and renewal.
Conclusion
As Nepal ushers in Nepal Sambat 1146, the Newar community continues to illuminate homes and hearts with the spirit of Mha Puja, a celebration of self-awareness, prosperity, and unity.
May this festival of light inspire every Nepali to embrace self-respect, gratitude, and new beginnings.
For more: Mha Puja Newar Tihar
