Maha puja

🪔 Maha Puja

Maha Puja is an important ritual in the culture of the Newar people of Nepal. It is a self-purification and self-worship ceremony that celebrates the soul within oneself.

📅 When it is celebrated

Maha Puja is performed during the festival of Tihar (the festival of lights). For the Newar community, it is also the start of the New Year of the Nepal Sambat calendar.

🙏 Meaning
• “Maha” = great
• “Puja” = worship

So Maha Puja means “great worship.”
In this ritual, people worship their own body and soul to purify and strengthen themselves for the coming year.

🪔 How Maha Puja is performed
1. A mandala (sacred design made with colored powder, rice, and oil lamps) is prepared for each family member.
2. Each person sits in front of their mandala.
3. Offerings such as:
• flowers 🌸
• fruits 🍎
• oil lamps 🪔
• sacred threads
• rice and yogurt
are used during the ritual.
4. Family members receive tika and blessings for long life and prosperity.

🌟 Importance
• Purifies the mind, body, and soul
• Brings good luck and protection
• Strengthens family unity

Many people also eat a traditional Newari feast called Samay Baji after the ceremony.

✅ In simple words: Maha Puja is a Newari tradition where people worship themselves to honor the soul and start the new year with positivity.

If you want, I can also explain:
• Steps of Maha Puja in detail 🪔
• Items used in Maha Puja
• Why Newar people worship themselves in this ritual.