Dugu Puja is a rite in which a person worships the clan’s lineage god. It’s also known as Dewali Puja or Digu Puja. This ceremony is performed by Non-Newars as well as Newars. They all do it to re-establish a sense of belonging among family members with common origins. Dugu Puja is a Newars annual ceremony. On this day, people worship the ‘Kul Devta’ (the clan’s idol god).
‘Digu Dyo’ is the deity of Dugu Puja or Dewali Puja. In the Newari language, ‘Dugu’ refers to a Male Goat, thus they worship it first and sacrifice it in the name of their linage God.
All of the dates stated are based on the Lunar Calendar.
Digu Puja‘s god is frequently said to as an open deity. The shrines that are worshipped on Digu Puja can be seen in public places. People of another lineage, on the other hand, are utterly unaware of the entire ritual of worshipping and sacrificing on that day.
In addition to the many caste systems in Newar Community , the day for doing Digu Puja differs by caste. From the day of Baishaka Sukla Tritiya (Akshaya Tritiya), people commemorate this festival. People then do Dewali Puja on Sunday or Thursday until Jestha Sukla Shashti (Sithi Nakha).
The popularity of nuclear families has led to people settling down with their small family of husband, wife, and children for a variety of reasons. In such a situation, the celebration of ‘Digu Puja’ re-establishes the bond between members of a four- or five-generation joint family. One of the most essential aspects of this ‘Digu Puja’ ritual is the participation of all family members in the celebration. Each year, a different family takes turns organizing and managing the necessary arrangements. Every year, the responsibility is rotated among the family. Although one family is given the responsibility of arranging the essential goods for both the ‘puja’ and the feast each year, the role played by other families cannot be overlooked.
Delicious food dishes are made for the feast with the help of all family members after the ‘Puja.’ ‘Nau’ or ‘Nai’ begins the purification process by cutting the toe nails the day before. On the trip to the lineage god’s shrine and on the way back, ‘Kusle’ or ‘Jugi’ plays traditional flute. Despite the fact that other Newar communities assist, other castes are not permitted to participate in the major ‘Puja.’ The Puja ritual’s severe rules and restrictions are another notable aspect. Throughout the length of the ‘Puja,’ the elders’ regulations are scrupulously obeyed. The participation of all members is required, and failing to do so will result in a fine. The attendance of all family members is especially important during the ‘Swan Chayegu’ (flower offering). The head of the lineage, with the assistance of other family members, performs all of the ‘Puja’ ceremonies under the direction of the priest. It is done with the belief that the lineage god represents the entire family before him, and that it is through him that the lineage god bestows benefits on the entire family. As a result, the head of the lineage is held in such high regard that his directives are deemed final throughout the ‘Puja.’
