SITHI NAKHA | A NEPALESE CELEBRATION OF "RAIN BABY" KUMAR

Sithi Nakha is one of the important festivals in the Newar community which is celebrated every year on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Jestha. This year it is on Thursday 15th Jestha, 2077 BS or 28th May 2020 AD. Sithi Nakha marks the first rain of the season before the full monsoon torrents begin to fall hence ending the dry season. It also marks the birthday of Kumar Kartikeya, the elder son of Shiva and Parvati, and the archetypal "rain baby" for the Nepalese people. The festival is celebrated in honor of Kumar, hence this day is also known as Kumar Shasthi. People worship the Pikhalakhu (a place outside the household) by drawing Mandap resembling Kumar.

Sithi Nakha also marks the end of the seven-week Dewali Puja (Digu Puja) period, during which people worship their family deity 'Digu Dya' on their particular day. By the day of Sithi Nakha, the Newar people must complete Dewali Puja. The Dewali Puja is of special significance as the newly married daughters-in-law are welcomed in the family. The Dewali Puja also includes an event of going to the open field for worshiping the family deity, where it is located in an aboriginal condition. Besides, the family members sit together and have a ritual feast.

Subarneshwor Mahadev Temple | Luchu Mahadyo

Subarneshwor Mahadev temple, also known as "Luchu Mahadyo" in local newari tongue is one of the famous temple in Bhaktapur which has great religious value. It is located at Gundu, south of Bhaktapur city in walking distance of about 30-45 minutes from Suryabinayak Chowk. This place is also known for best place to visit inside Bhaktapur leaving the choas city life.

Picture taken at 1985 AD, Photo Museum Nepal

Myth of Luchu Mahadyo

There is a myth about Luchu Mahadyo which is popular among the locals. Many years ago, when a worshipper is worshipping the god, the prayer plate touched the god. At the same time, that prayer plate converted into a gold which is very precious gem. Knowing this, people then came from different part and worshipped mahadev for the gold and then people started referring as mahadev that gives gold. This is how 'Luchu Mahadyo' name is given. In Newari, 'Lun' means gold.

Sakotha | Safu-kotha, a Medieval Library

Sakotha lies to the east of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and north of Taumadhi Square. Name of this place seemed to be derived from the name of medieval library Safu Kotha. In Nepal(Newari) Language, Safu means 'Book' and kotha means 'room'. Today the main house where the library was established is partially destroyed by recent earthquake in April 2015.

Cr. Prajen Gwala Bhadel

When Lichhaviees first came to Nepal that is today's Kathmandu Valley, they brought many more valuable manuscripts to Nepal and set up a library in Bhakapur and named it 'Safu Kotha'. The written history of Nepal began from Lichhaviees King Mandev, so it is also said that Safukotha is the first library of Nepal. Today this place is called Sokatha. Sakotha was famous for oriental philosophy and tantrism in 13th to 17th Century. It is said that there were more than 14000 manuscripts in the Library during that time. Bhaktapur was the main capital city before the unification of Nepal.