“Swanti Nakha:” is the term used to denote five days of Yama Panchak in Nepal Bhasa or Newa language. Highlighting the lead of females in household and showcasing the love for the entire ecosystem, these days advocate for the wellbeing of Crow, Dog, Laxmi, Ox, and Brothers/ Sisters.
Kaag Tihar and Kukur Tihar have been celebrated by the Newa community, which is rich in many traditions, festivals, civilizations, and cultures. They have also celebrated Laxmi Puja, Mha Puja, and Kija Puja. It’s also known as Swanti Nakha: because it’s been celebrated for three days straight. Swanhu means three days in the Newa language, and Nakha: signifies festivals-feast.
The three-day event is considered as a celebration of bringing paddy in from the fields and completing the year’s reckoning, as well as worshiping one’s body and obtaining the nutrients needed to carry forward while struggling for the new year in the rural Newa community.
On this day, the Mandap (Mandala) is prepared and decorated in the same way that it is on Mha Puja day. The Mandap also houses a variety of fruits. Instead of Pancharangi Tika, the population consumes Akshata, a concoction of Abir, Yogurt, Beaten Rice (Chiura), and water known in Newari tradition as ‘Jaki Singha’ It is usual in the Newar community to offer Sagun beginning today, just as it is on Mha Puja day.
One worships and hopes for the longevity of one’s brother when offering Panchatatva. The celebration is well-known in the Newa community for the closeness between the gods and the recognition of the love of sisters that exists within every human being.
