Mha Puja and it's Significance in Newa Culture

 

Mha Puja in Dallas, October 26, 2022

We humans as thoughtful beings, began contemplating various aspects. Sparking curiosity about the Universe. Eventually, it was realized that the universe primarily comprises of five elements – Water, Earth, Sky, Wind and Fire. Life cannot be imagined without these elements, Recognizing the essential role of these elements, they are worthy of prayer and respect. Similarly, this observation led to the understanding that the human body is compose of these same five elements.

1.      Water

The Earth originated from water. Just like the Earth, our bodies contain approximately 70% water. Any form of liquid that flows on Earth or within our body is considered a water element.

2. Earth

Earth is regarded as the root of the universe, and our bodies are seen as the root of the Earth. While our physical bodies are composed of earth, they remain lifeless until the integration of the other elements takes place.

3.      Fire

Fire is present within our bodies as temperature, constantly keeping our bodies in motion. This element symbolizes strength, light and temperature, playing a crucial role in digesting food and maintaining health, ultimately providing strength to our bodies.

4.      Wind

Wind is present in our body as life, and without it, lifelessness would occur. All beings on Earth possess the wind. The air we breathe, containing oxygen, is essential for sustaining life.

5.      Sky

They sky is such element, where earth, water and fire are present. It serves as the carrier of our inner soul. One must practice meditation to comprehend and feel this element. Thus, sky represents non-physical form of our mind. The mind is infinite, resembling the boundless sky with no end. Just like the changing state of the sky, our mind also undergoes varying stages, experiencing peace, pain, or happiness at different times.

Beyond the five elements, there is another crucial element- the soul. The functioning of the five elements is attributed to the presence of the soul.

The combined elements mentioned earlier are collectively referred to as the Five Elements, interdependent and crucial for life. The absence of any one element results in immediate death. Those who comprehend and respect these elements, striving for balance, can achieve a long and healthy life. This understanding is reflected in Mha Puja celebration, a unique culture of Newars.

The word “Mha” translates as “body” and “Puja” translates to “worship” in Nepal Bhasa. Thus, Mha Puja literally translates as worshipping oneself, a beautiful process of worshipping the God inside us. It is a celebration of the existence of owns life and understanding the importance of life. A way of purifying the body and let the evils and ignorance flood out.

During the Mha Puja celebration, we draw Manda (Mandala) on the floor, as a symbolic representation of our soul. Then, we engage in praying the Mandala as per the tantric rituals using various fruits, flowers and lights that represents five elements. This practice equates to worshipping the five elements that we are made from.

Mha Puja Manda, October 26, 2022

What is Manda (Mandala) ?

The Mandala, known as Manda among the locals, holds great significance in Newa culture. It is often drawn in various ceremonies of Newars. This colorful circle adorned with eight petal lotuses, is drawn using red vermillion powder and rice flour. The intricate design is further embellished with flowers, rice paddy, oil, incense, cotton wicks and other elements. While Manda is often drawn in various Newar occasions for different deities, the one crafted for Mha Puja is considered very special, as it represents the spiritual diagram of oneself, own body. Thus, it is referred as “Manu Manda”. The word, “Manu” translates to human in Nepal Bhasa, underlining the personal and sacred nature of this ritual.

 

Mha Puja Manda, explained. Courtesy of Guru Rajendra via Facebook post

My Father drawing Manda, October 26, 2022

When is Mha Puja Celebrated?

The culturally rich Newa community celebrates this ritual on the fourth day of Swonti Nakha (Tihar festival). This auspicious ceremony coincides with the commence of the Newa Newa Year according to the native calendar of Nepal, known as Nepal Sambat. While the rest of the Nation is engrossed in the festival of Tihar, the Newars uniquely dedicate an evening to worship their own body, specifically on the day before the final day of Tihar festival. Although the exact date of Mha Puja varies, it generally occurs during the month of November.

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