- This event has passed.
Sithi Nakha (सिथि नख:)
June 12
Sithi Nakha is a traditional festival celebrated by the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season and is dedicated to the god of rain, Lord Indra, and other water deities. The festival typically falls in the month of Jestha (May-June) according to the lunar calendar.
Key aspects of Sithi Nakha include:
- Cleaning Water Sources: On this day, people clean water sources like wells, ponds, and stone spouts to ensure they are ready for the upcoming rainy season. This practice is believed to purify the water and make it safe for consumption.
- Offerings to Deities: Devotees make offerings to Lord Indra and other water-related deities, praying for good rainfall and the protection of water sources.
- Community Participation: The festival involves communal activities where people come together to clean and maintain public water sources, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional dances, music, and rituals are performed as part of the celebration, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Newar people.
Overall, Sithi Nakha is an important festival that highlights the Newar community’s respect for natural resources, particularly water, and their efforts to ensure its purity and availability during the monsoon season.