Mha Puja(म्हपूजा) is one of the most unique festivals in Nepal, celebrated primarily by the Newar community. Unlike most festivals that focus on gods or nature, Mha Puja emphasizes worship of the self. Observed on 24 October 2025, it marks the Nepal Sambat New Year, a cultural calendar that has been followed by the Newars for centuries.
On Mha means me and puja mean workship, families perform rituals to honor their body, mind, and soul, acknowledging that divinity exists within every individual. The festival encourages self-respect, mindfulness, and inner purification, offering both spiritual and cultural value. It is a philosophy of life that teaches people to start the New Year with positivity, health, and harmony.
The word Mha means “self,” and Puja means “worship.” Therefore, This Puja literally translates to “worship of oneself.” The festival emphasizes that before honoring others or the external world, one must first recognize the sacredness within.
The spiritual significance of Mha Puja includes:
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Self-purification: Cleansing the mind and soul from negativity.
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Prosperity and health: Blessings for a balanced and thriving year.
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Family unity: The rituals bring families together, fostering respect and harmony.
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Cultural preservation: It keeps the Newar traditions and Nepal Sambat New Year alive.
By observing This Puja, Newars believe that the energy within oneself can influence personal growth, fortune, and well-being.
History and Cultural Origins of Mha Puja
The origin of Mha Puja can be traced back to ancient Newar traditions, combining both Hindu and Buddhist influences. It is said that centuries ago, Mha Puja was designed as a ritual for self-realization. The Newar people believed that recognizing the divine within oneself would lead to enlightenment and spiritual growth.
Mha Puja is closely linked to the Nepal Sambat calendar, introduced by Shankhadhar Sakhwa. According to legend, Shankhadhar helped free the people of Kathmandu from debt, marking a historical celebration of freedom and new beginnings. The first day of the Nepal Sambat New Year is celebrated with Mha Puja, symbolizing both personal and societal renewal.
Over the centuries, Mha Puja has evolved but continues to focus on the sacred connection between self, family, and community.
Detailed Rituals of Mha Puja
The celebration of Mha Puja is rich in symbolism and tradition. Every step carries spiritual meaning:
1. House Cleaning and Decoration
Before the rituals begin, homes are thoroughly cleaned. Cleanliness represents purification of both the physical and spiritual spaces. Floors are swept, courtyards are cleaned, and walls are decorated with colorful designs.
2. Drawing Mandalas
Each family member has a mandala drawn specifically for them. Mandalas are circular patterns made from rice flour, colored powders, or flower petals, representing the universe and the self at the center.
The mandala symbolizes:
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The universe: Boundless and eternal
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The self: The divine energy at the center of life
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Life path: Layers of experiences and spiritual growth
Mha Puja emphasizes that the individual is a microcosm of the universe, and by honoring the self, one honors the cosmos.
3. Offerings and Prayers
Once the mandalas are ready, family members prepare offerings of rice, fruits, flowers, and sweets. Oil lamps (diyo) are lit to signify the illumination of knowledge and wisdom.
The head of the household performs the ritual while chanting prayers, asking for health, happiness, longevity, and protection for each family member.
4. Blessings Among Family Members
During Mha Puja, family members bless each other with good wishes. The eldest members often place sacred marks on the forehead of younger members, symbolizing love, protection, and continuity of tradition.
5. Traditional Feast (Mha Bhoj)
After the ritual, families enjoy a traditional Newar feast. Dishes often include bhatmas-alu-achar, bara, chhoila, beaten rice, and aila. Sharing food is symbolic of abundance, unity, and joy, reinforcing the bonds between family and community.
Mha Puja is more than a ritual it is a spiritual practice that encourages self-awareness. By honoring the self, individuals cultivate:
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Mindfulness: Being present in each moment
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Inner peace: Reducing negative thoughts and stress
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Gratitude: Appreciating life, family, and health
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Empowerment: Recognizing personal potential and value
The festival teaches that self-respect is the foundation for respecting others. Observing Mha Puja sets a positive tone for the year, encouraging spiritual and emotional well-being.
Mha Puja coincides with the Nepal Sambat New Year, adding cultural significance to the spiritual celebration. The Nepal Sambat calendar was introduced to celebrate freedom from debt and social reform.
During this period, families:
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Celebrate the New Year with prayers and rituals
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Perform Mha Puja for self-purification
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Reaffirm community ties and family unity
This connection between Mha Puja and the Nepal Sambat New Year emphasizes that personal and societal renewal go hand in hand.
While Mha Puja is primarily a Newar festival, its influence is spreading. Key observances include:
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Kathmandu Valley: Homes are decorated, mandalas drawn, and full rituals performed.
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Patan & Bhaktapur: Cultural processions, traditional music, and dances accompany the festival.
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Modern urban areas: Many families adapt rituals to smaller spaces while preserving tradition.
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Global Nepalese communities: Diaspora communities celebrate Mha Puja abroad to maintain their cultural identity.
No matter where it is observed, the core philosophy of Mha Puja remains the same — self-worship, purification, and renewal.
Mha Puja offers several symbolic lessons:
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Life and the Universe: Just as the mandala represents the universe, every individual is part of a larger cosmic order.
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Purity and Growth: Cleaning homes and drawing mandalas symbolize spiritual and personal cleansing.
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Compassion and Unity: Blessings and shared feasts strengthen familial and social bonds.
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Mindfulness and Self-Respect: Worshiping the self teaches awareness, gratitude, and empowerment.
By following these principles, Mha Puja becomes a guide for living harmoniously with oneself and the world.
For travelers interested in experiencing Mha Puja in Nepal:
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Observe respectfully: Watch rituals but avoid disturbing mandalas or offerings.
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Dress appropriately: Traditional attire is recommended when visiting Newar homes.
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Participate mindfully: Some families welcome guests to share blessings or food.
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Learn the stories: Understanding the history enhances the experience.
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Capture the culture: Photography is often allowed, but always ask before photographing rituals.
Mha Puja provides a unique window into Nepalese spirituality, culture, and family traditions.
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Date: 24 October 2025 (Friday)
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Nepal Sambat: 1146 New Year
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Main Locations: Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur
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Significance: Self-worship, purification, and blessings for the year ahead
Mha Puja 2025 is a festival that highlights the importance of self-awareness, spiritual growth, and cultural heritage. Observed on 24 October, it marks the Nepal Sambat New Year and teaches people to honor themselves, their family, and their community.
By performing Mha Puja, families invite health, prosperity, and peace for the year ahead. The festival reminds us that inner divinity and mindfulness are the keys to a fulfilling life.
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