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Nhu Daya Vintuna (New year)


Newars marking New Year resolution in Tihar 


 

On the fourth day of Tihar, both Mha puja and New Year day is commemorated as per Nepal sambat calendar. Most of the Nepalese mark their New Year resolution on 1st Baisakh of Vikram Sambat calendar. So,this New Year of Nepal Sambat virtue is an extraordinary celebration among Newars.

Newar community has their own calendar, famously known as Nepal Sambat. Nepal Sambat started of its career on 20th October 879 A.D. but it was soon officially disapproved at the beginning of 20th century. History has saved appearance of Nepal Sambat in old coins, inscription plates, doctrines, chronicles, royal decrees and Manuscripts.This year 2016/17 corresponds to 1138 in Nepal Sambat calendar. Initially, Nepalese traders used to close down their ledger and open up new fiscal account on this day.

Tales behind New Year celebration

 

An astrologer of king of Bhaktapur calculated an auspicious time and date for the accumulation of gold, when the sand swept down to the junction of two rivers-Bhacha khusi and Bishnumati River. King sent a team of porters to dig up sand and hunt down for gold.
A local merchant, Shankhadhar Sakhwa saw a bunch of porters resting on traveler’s shelter, near Maru. He also noticed a basket full of sand and a brink of thought arose around his mind that there is something special in sand. They were taking rest before heading to Bhaktapur. He talked the porters into dumping their load at his home, convincing them that they could always get more.

How is it celebrated?

 

Newar commemorate New Year day by celebrating Mha Puja during afternoon or evening time and cultural processions, rallies and parade in local places. People wear typical Newari uniform Haku Patasi, Suruwa and Tapalan in order to indulge in rallies, parade and cultural procession accompanied by Newari Dhun.

Markets, streets and Durbar Square are decorated by banners, which relay the wishful messages of New Year ( Nhu Daya Vintuna). Public functions are organized with the participation of government leader. Prime minister Babu Ram Bhattrai gave his speech in Nepal Bhasa during 2011. It was the first time in history, marking a traditional breakthrough of Nepal Bhasa (Newari language)
Newar communities convey New Year wishes to one another and vow on admiring good deeds resolution on the upcoming year.


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