Kathmandu: The Mha Puja (self worship) is celebrated on the fourth day of the Tihar festival by the Newar community today. It coincides with the Newari New Year, which is based on the Newar calendar, Nepal Sambat. Mha Puja literally refers to self worship, involving offerings to one’s body.
According to National News Agency Nepal, theologian Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam explained that atma (soul) is a powerful aspect of human beings and therefore deserves reverence. He added that it is a religious belief that one becomes happy once his/her atma (soul/self) is happy.
New Year 1146 is being observed with fanfare across the country. The Newari calendar is marked in memory of Sankhadhar Sakhwa, who liberated the poor and peasants from financial burdens such as loans.