The Newars celebrate a festival called Sithi Nakha, which marks the onset of the monsoon season. This occasion is marked by the cleaning of water sources, such as tuns (wells), hitis (stone spouts), and pukhus (ponds).
Why does this focus on cleaning?
Just before the monsoon rains arrive, it ensures that water sources are clean and functional, and vital to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Water holds a central place in Newar culture, where nagas (serpents) are revered as guardians of these sources. Traditionally, it is believed that these nagas retreat during the driest period of the year, prompting the community to clean water sources during this festival. It brings collective wisdom in maintaining shared water sources as vital resources.
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However, questions arise in modern times: Are these traditional water sources now just remnants of the past?
In many places, they have fallen into disrepair due to modern infrastructure and changing lifestyles. Historically, the festival aligned with predictable weather patterns, but with climate change, one might ask: Is this still the case?
Sithi Nakha often coincides before or after World Environment Day (June 5), interestingly giving the sense of environmental awareness and reinforcing traditional practices.
The Newar community follows a lunar calendar. It falls in the month of Tachhalā, on Shukla Paksha Shashti, the sixth day of the bright fortnight in Jestha (May/June). According to Hindu mythology, this day is also celebrated as Kumar Shashti, believed to be the birthday of Kumar (Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva. In Newar culture, Kumar is revered as Chhetrapal, the protector deity. This reverence is reflected in the pikhalakhu placed in front of homes, where ‘pikha’ means outside and ‘lakhu’ refers to nearby rivers. These are mandaps, shaped like an eight-petalled lotus, worshipped as Kumar.
Worshipping Kumar can be beautifully complemented by our thoughtfully designed products,, the Rooted Dhoop Set and Lotus Incense Holder. It gives a serene pick for prayer and adds an elegant touch to your sacred devotion.
This festival is not solely about cleaning; it is also a time for Newari dishes. Newars prepare foods such as wo (a dish made of maas, black lentils, and mugi), chatamari (rice flour crepes), bara (savoury lentil doughnuts), chhoila (spiced grilled meat), cooked buffalo meat, etc. These protein-rich dishes are enjoyed with family and offered as prasad at the pikhalakhu.
This festival unites the community, fostering a sense of cultural celebration with an indication of environmental awareness.
