Mha Puja, celebrated today on November 2, 2024, is a special occasion for the Newar community—a day dedicated to honoring the self. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities of this unique celebration, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the deeper significance of Mha Puja beyond its beautiful traditions. Often nestled within the broader Tihar festival, Mha Puja encourages us to pause and appreciate who we are at our core. It’s a profound reminder that our self-worth and mental well-being deserve as much reverence as the connections we build with those around us.
The Heart of Mha Puja
For those unfamiliar, Mha Puja translates to “worship of the self.” It’s a profound ritual that encourages individuals to acknowledge their existence, reflect on their personal journey, and give thanks for their unique contributions to the world. This Newari festival is celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar, a festival that celebrates life and connection in all its forms. While Tihar beautifully honors animals and family bonds—like the heartwarming tradition of Bhai Tika, where brothers and sisters express their love and protection—Mha Puja stands out as a time for introspection.
Growing up in Nepal, I remember the vibrant colors and aromas of the festivities that filled the air. On Mha Puja, our home would transform into a sanctuary of reflection, as family members gathered to create intricate mandalas adorned with rice, flowers, and vibrant powders. Each mandala, symbolizing our individual spirit, would be a centerpiece for our personal rituals of gratitude and self-reflection. This communal yet personal act of worship is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acknowledgment in our lives.
Celebrating Tihar: A Collective Experience
Tihar, the festival of lights, brings people together in joyous celebration, illuminating our lives with warmth and love. Each day holds a special significance, from honoring crows and dogs to celebrating the bond between siblings. Yet, amidst the laughter and festivities, Mha Puja quietly reminds us that before we can genuinely connect with others, we must first honor ourselves. This celebration of the self is about embracing who we are—our strengths, our struggles, and everything in between.
As I engage in the rituals of Mha Puja, I feel a sense of renewal. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, to acknowledge growth and resilience, and to set intentions for the future. This festival is a gentle nudge to all of us—an invitation to look inward and embrace our journey.
Nepal Sambat and Mha Puja: Celebrating the New Year
Mha Puja is intrinsically linked to the Nepal Sambat calendar, marking the New Year for the Newar community. Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar that dates back to the 14th century, is celebrated alongside Mha Puja to usher in a new cycle of growth and prosperity. The synchronization of Nepal Sambat with Mha Puja amplifies the festival’s significance, blending the themes of self-worship with the broader celebration of renewal and new beginnings.
Celebrating Mha Puja on the same day as Nepal Sambat’s New Year emphasizes the importance of aligning personal growth with the passage of time. It symbolizes a fresh start, encouraging individuals to shed past burdens and embrace new opportunities. This alignment reinforces the idea that personal well-being is intertwined with the rhythms of nature and the collective experiences of the community. By celebrating both simultaneously, the Newar community honors both individual and communal aspects of life, fostering a harmonious balance between self and society.
The Psychological Significance of Mha Puja
When we think about Mha Puja from a psychological perspective, it’s fascinating to see how this ancient tradition aligns with modern understandings of mental health. Self-compassion and self-awareness are more than buzzwords; they are foundational elements for our emotional well-being. Studies, such as those conducted by Dr. Kristin Neff, show that cultivating self-compassion leads to lower levels of anxiety and depression while enhancing overall life satisfaction.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I can attest to the power of self-compassion. There have been moments in my life when I felt lost or overwhelmed, times when I struggled to find my footing. During those periods, practicing self-care and taking the time to honor my journey made all the difference. Mha Puja serves as a reminder that acknowledging our own worth is essential, not just for ourselves but for the people we love and the communities we belong to.
The Science Behind Rituals
Research shows that rituals can have a profound impact on our mental state. According to a study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, participating in rituals can stimulate areas of the brain associated with reward, emotion, and memory, providing a sense of structure and control in our lives. On Mha Puja, as we engage in the act of creating mandalas and lighting oil lamps, we not only connect with our heritage but also find comfort and stability in the familiarity of these rituals.
Engaging in Mha Puja’s symbolic elements can also ground us in the present moment. The colors and scents associated with the mandalas evoke feelings of peace and joy, while the act of creating something beautiful offers a meditative escape from the chaos of daily life. For me, it’s a time to pause, breathe, and reflect—not just on the past year, but on the person I strive to become.
The Holistic Connection of Mind, Body, and Soul
Mha Puja is a celebration that encompasses the essence of who we are—mind, body, and soul. It encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and to recognize that our worth is inherent, not contingent upon external validation. By taking time today to honor ourselves, we foster a deeper connection with our inner selves, which in turn enriches our relationships with others.
As we honor ourselves during Mha Puja, let us also remember that this act of self-reflection can have a ripple effect. When we treat ourselves with love and respect, we create a foundation of self-worth that can transform how we interact with the world. It’s a powerful reminder that self-care isn’t just a personal endeavor; it’s a gift we give to our communities.
A Call to Self-Reflection
As we embrace Mha Puja today, let’s take a moment to reflect on our journey. Consider lighting a candle, creating a mandala, or simply spending time in quiet contemplation. This festival reminds us that honoring ourselves is not merely an act of reverence but a crucial step in fostering resilience, happiness, and connection.
In my previous posts, I touched on themes like phantom vibrations and post-vacation blues, exploring how our modern lifestyles can often disconnect us from our true selves. Mha Puja offers us a beautiful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and bring balance back to our lives, countering these everyday stresses with moments of self-acknowledgment and gratitude.
By celebrating Mha Puja, we honor not only our individuality but also our shared humanity. Embracing ourselves allows us to strengthen our capacity to uplift and support those around us. So, let us take this opportunity to celebrate the intricate tapestry of our lives, remembering that, just like the mandalas we create, each of us is unique, valuable, and deserving of love and respect.
Happy Mha Puja!
A Special Thanks! A big thank you to my friend for the beautiful mandala photo used in this post! I wanted to use one of my own, but it just didn’t fit. I appreciate the stunning work!
