July 28, 2025

Mha Puja, meaning “worship of the self,” is a unique and deeply spiritual ritual celebrated by the Newar community in Nepal as part of their New Year (Nepal Sambat) festivities, usually falling in October or November. This sacred ceremony honors the individual soul, inviting purification, protection, and prosperity for the year ahead.

During Mha Puja, families gather around beautifully decorated mandalas painted on the floor, each symbolizing the universe and the individual’s essence. Offerings of fruits, rice, and sacred items are made, and prayers are chanted to invoke blessings for health, wisdom, and success. The ritual is a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of self and cosmos.

The festival reflects the Newars’ rich cultural heritage, blending elements of Hinduism and Buddhism in a unique expression of identity and spirituality. Mha Puja is often performed alongside other traditional Newar celebrations, reinforcing community ties and cultural continuity.

For travelers, witnessing Mha Puja provides an intimate glimpse into Newar cosmology and festive practices. The ceremony’s focus on self-respect and renewal resonates universally, making it a meaningful cultural experience.

  • Time of Year: October or November (Newar New Year / Nepal Sambat)
  • Location: Celebrated mainly by Newar communities across Kathmandu Valley
  • Duration: 1 day
  • What to Expect: Mandala worship, offerings, prayers for self-purification and prosperity
  • Interesting Facts:
    • Mha Puja emphasizes the sanctity of the individual soul
    • The mandala symbolizes both the universe and the self
    • It is a unique Newar tradition blending Hindu and Buddhist elements