Mha Puja is an annual ritual performed by the people of the Newari community of Nepal in order to purify one’s body. The word ‘Mha’ basically means body in Newari language and ‘Puja’ means worship.

Festivals are the huge part of Nepalese people’s life as Nepal is rich in culture, religions and traditions; different people of different culture, community worship different gods. Along with us worshiping different gods, there is a very unique and special tradition in the Newari community where one worships and celebrates one’s body. Many of us might not know about this special ritual performed by Newari people. So, let’s start with what Mha Puja means. 

Mha basically means ‘body’ in Newari language and Puja means ‘worship’. Mha Puja is the celebration of one’s life, body and existence and also carried out for an individual's good health, and longevity. The Mha Puja festival is celebrated on the day of Newari New Year of Newari calendar, Nepal Sambat which occurs during the time of Swanti festival i.e Tihar. The celebration of this festival is done differently even within the people of the Newari community but with the same beautiful motive of celebrating oneself. Mostly, Mha Puja is done during the evening and just one day before Bhai Tika. 

For the preparation of Mha Puja, firstly, the floor is cleaned and then it is colored with Rato Mato as Mha Puja is generally performed on the floor. Then, the mandalas are made on the top after the Rato Mato has completely dried. Mandalas are made for each individual of the house and everybody worships his /her own mandala. Moreover, there are some extra mandalas made for the gods as well. The mandalas are then decorated with flowers, colors, paddy, rice, Jajanka (white cotton thread with red cloth at the end) and Itaa (handwoven cotton wick) is placed at the right side of each mandala.

After the Mandala is drawn, everyone sits in front of their respective mandalas to begin the Puja. Then, the whole process of Mha Puja is carried out by the most senior lady of every house; she puts tika on everyone’s forehead and then they light up the Itaa (wick) next to the Mandala. The lady offers everyone Jajanka (holy thread), the citron fruit as a symbol of good coming their way. Then, Shagun (which consists of fried eggs, fish, fruits and local alcohol) is also offered by the lady. From there on, the plates full of different varieties of side dishes, beaten rice and sweets are placed on top of each Mandalas and everyone starts to enjoy their delicious & scrumptious feast.

Some Facts about Mha Puja:

  • Mha Puja is celebrated on the Newari New Year.
  • The date of celebrating Mha Puja might sometimes be different within the Newari Community.
  • The festival is celebrated in a different way even within the people of the Newari Community. 
  • Some extra mandalas are drawn at the ends for gods.
  • The whole process of Mha Puja is carried out by the most senior lady of every house. 
  • At the end of Mha Puja and feast, the plates are left on the Mandalas for overnight and the floor is cleaned only on the next day for Bhai Tika.

Like any other festivals, Mha Puja is also about spending time with family, having delicious food and making good memories. But, there’s more to this unique festival. Mha Puja is also the worship of self. Personally, for me, Mha Puja is one of my favorite festivals as it not just signifies an auspicious beginning of the New Year, but also is a celebration of one’s existence. This festival holds a really significant message as it reminds us to understand the importance of life, love ourselves & rejoice in self-worth.