1st October 2025, Kathmandu
Dashain is Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival. Yet, for the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley, the celebration takes a different form. Known as Mohani, this festival runs for fifteen days and blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Mohani vs. Dashain
According to cultural historian Prof. Dr. Naresh Man Bajracharya, Mohani is often compared to Dashain but holds distinct rituals, meanings, and cultural practices.
Not Dashain, but Mohani
Prof. Bajracharya highlights that the Newar community does not use the term Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of Dashain. Instead, Mohani starts with the sowing of barley seeds, known locally as Nhala Swampiy, meaning “to sow and sprout barley.”
Unlike in Dashain, where a sacred kalash (vessel) is placed and worshipped, Newars simply sow jamara (barley shoots) and nurture it with water until it grows. This marks the festival’s beginning on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada and continues until the full moon day.
Cultural and Religious Context
In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism have historically shaped society. While Muslim and other communities are also present, the Kathmandu Valley has long been influenced by Hindu Newars and Buddhist Newars. Both groups observe Mohani, but in their own religious styles.
Hindu Newars worship their family deity (Isthadevata) through puja.
Buddhist Newars follow tantric rituals led by Shakya and Bajracharya priests.
Despite differences, the festival reflects unity in cultural expression. Most households perform rituals at home, with the head male or female member leading the ceremonies.
Rituals of Mohani
The first seven days after the jamara planting are marked by simple daily care. Special rituals are not observed during this period. The major celebrations begin on Asthami (the eighth day).
Asthami – Kuchhi Bhway: On this day, families gather for a grand feast. The word Kuchhi has two interpretations. One refers to “two mana” (a measure of rice), while the other refers to a communal feast where siblings and relatives eat together. In modern times, this feast is often limited to core family members.
Navami – Sone: On the ninth day, known as Sone, not only gods and goddesses but also household items like tools, swords, rice, and grains are worshipped. Unlike Dashain, there is no ritual of immersion or visarjan.
Dashami – Conclusion: On the tenth day, families perform final pujas, marking the conclusion of Mohani. The rituals combine devotion, symbolic practices, and communal activities.
The Role of Feasting
A distinctive feature of Mohani is its strong association with feasts. Meat, fish, and homemade alcohol (aila, raksi, jaad) are commonly used in rituals and meals. According to Prof. Bajracharya, these are not just for consumption but also hold symbolic meaning.
Historically, even in Buddhist Newar households, animal sacrifices were practiced. However, with education and awareness, such traditions have declined sharply. Today, symbolic offerings and moderated practices have replaced earlier customs.
Distinction from Dashain
Although Mohani coincides with Dashain, the two festivals differ significantly:
Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana; Mohani begins with jamara sowing (Nhala Swampiy).
Dashain involves kalash worship; Mohani does not include this ritual.
Dashain features large public gatherings at temples; Mohani emphasizes family rituals and home-based pujas.
Dashain focuses on goddess Durga; Mohani blends both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
These differences underline Mohani’s unique cultural identity within Nepal’s broader religious landscape.
Hindu and Buddhist Practices
Prof. Bajracharya notes that while Hindu Newars follow Sanatan rituals, Buddhist Newars emphasize tantric methods.
Hindu households: Puja is performed to family deities, often with offerings of meat, fish, and alcohol.
Buddhist households: Rituals are more tantric in nature, often led by Shakya or Bajracharya priests. In earlier times, sacrifices were practiced even among Buddhists, but today, these practices are rare.
Interestingly, Newar tantric traditions mention the concept of Panchamakara, though this is absent in Buddhist tantra. Still, cultural practices overlap, showing a blend of religious philosophies.
Mohani as Culture, Not Just Religion
Prof. Bajracharya stresses that Mohani should not be viewed only through a religious lens. It is deeply tied to culture, society, and identity. Feasts, family gatherings, rituals, and symbolic offerings all contribute to a larger cultural framework.
For Newars, Mohani is as much about social participation and heritage as it is about devotion. This dual nature sets it apart from mainstream Dashain celebrations.
The Evolution of Mohani
Over time, Mohani has adapted to social change. Modern education and awareness have reduced unnecessary animal sacrifices and refined rituals. Families today focus more on symbolic practices and collective celebrations.
The festival remains a vibrant example of how traditions evolve while retaining their core identity. For the Newar community, Mohani continues to be a marker of cultural pride and religious diversity.
Conclusion
Mohani, celebrated by both Hindu and Buddhist Newars, is more than just a festival. It is a cultural expression that blends devotion, social unity, and heritage. While often compared to Dashain, it stands apart through its rituals, family feasts, and symbolic practices.
As Prof. Dr. Naresh Man Bajracharya explains, Mohani is a living example of how religion, culture, and tradition intersect in the Kathmandu Valley. For the Newar community, it is not merely a counterpart to Dashain but a unique identity of their own.
For more: Mohani vs. Dashain