Mha Puja has adapted, but its essence remains
Summary
Newa households in Kathmandu Valley celebrate the New Year by performing Mha Puja, a ritual of self-worship that emphasizes self-awareness and gratitude. Though the practice has adapted to modern lifestyles, its essence of honoring the body and spirit remains intact.
Key Points
- Mha Puja is a Newa ritual worshipping the body, marking the New Year in the Nepal Sambat calendar.
- The ritual involves drawing mandalas symbolizing the self and offerings representing nourishment and good fortune.
- Modern lifestyles have led to adaptations in Mha Puja practices, including the use of stencils and shorter ceremonies.
- Social media has renewed younger generations' interest, helping preserve the ritual's cultural significance.
