Swanti

Swanti is a five-day festival celebrated by the Newar people of Nepal, marking one of their most important annual events. Held on changing lunar dates, it honors deities, animals, and family, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions with rituals for prosperity, longevity, and good fortune.

• Five-day festival celebrated by Newars in Nepal
• Honors crows, dogs, cows, deities, and family members
• Mha Puja marks the Newar New Year
• Homes decorated with flower garlands and lamps
• Features symbolic foods and rituals for prosperity

What it is

Swanti is a major festival for the Newar community in Nepal, closely related to Tihar or Diwali. It is a time when families come together to honor deities, animals, and each other through a series of rituals that emphasize the central role of women and the importance of family bonds. The festival is marked by prayers for prosperity and longevity, the decoration of homes with flower garlands and lamps, and the presentation of auspicious items to loved ones. Both Hindu and Buddhist Newars observe Swanti, making it a vibrant expression of shared beliefs and traditions.

Where it comes from

Swanti's origins are rooted in the ancient traditions of the Newar people, with rituals and symbolism that reflect both Hindu and Buddhist influences. The festival is a local adaptation of Tihar or Diwali, but with distinct practices and meanings unique to Newar culture. The honoring of animals such as crows, dogs, and cows, as well as the worship of household deities like Lakshmi, highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the desire for good fortune. The celebration of Mha Puja, or 'worship of the self,' marks the beginning of the Nepal Sambat New Year and reflects Tantric concepts of purity and empowerment.

How it is celebrated

Swanti unfolds over five days, each with its own focus and rituals. The first day, Kwah Puja, honors crows with offerings left on rooftops. The second, Khichā Puja, celebrates dogs with garlands and special treats. On the third day, Sā Puja, cows are revered, and families perform Lakshmi Puja, worshipping the goddess of prosperity with paintings, sand mandalas, and offerings. Mha Puja on the fourth day centers on the individual, with each person worshipping their own mandala and receiving Sagan, a set of symbolic foods. The final day, Kijā Puja, is dedicated to brothers, who are honored by their sisters with rituals, gifts, and a feast. The festival concludes with a family meal where married daughters return to share in the offerings made to Lakshmi.

Joining in

Visitors in Nepal during Swanti can witness the festival's vibrant rituals in Newar communities, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. Expect to see homes adorned with flowers and lamps, and streets alive with processions and gatherings. While the main ceremonies are family-centered, guests may be invited to join in feasts or observe the rituals. Respect for local customs and participation in the sharing of food are appreciated, and the atmosphere is one of warmth and togetherness.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Swanti (festival), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Swanti (festival) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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