There are many pre natal rituals, however majority of those
: pusawan kriya, simatopanayan, for example are no longer in existence.
Nevertheless, Dhau baji nakegu (offering yogurt and flattened rice along with
yomari, sweets etc) during pregnancy is still practiced by many castes.
Birth
After child birth, it is informed to maternal home of the
mother. It is done by sending sugar candy, nutmeg, ginger etc. After the birth,
concerned family becomes ritually impure. They become pure after 'Machaboo
byanke' tradition which is done on forth, sixth or tenth day after the child
birth.
There is also a tradition of offering different kinds of
foods from maternal home of the mother within a month of delivery, which is
known as 'Baji nakah wonegu' or ' Machaboo swahwanegu'.
Macha Janko (the rice
feeding)
The rice feeding is done in 6th or 8th month (in case of a
boy) and in 5th or 7th month (in case of a girl). After worshipping Ganesh, the
child is offered rice pudding with verities of food. It is believed that the child
gets similar food throughout his life as the food offered on that day.
Busankha (Boys)
Busankha means shaving of hair. it is done at the age of 6
or 7. Shaving of hair is done by the maternal uncle of the boy, sister of the
boy's father holds the shaved hair. These days, busankha is done at the time of
'kayatapuja'.
Kayatapuja (Boys)
Kayatapuja or fixing of loin cloth is done to mark the
attainment of puberty. Bajracharya and Shakyas perform the tonsure ceremony,
Chudakarma. During this, one has to visit shrines and pay homage to Kwahpahdyoh
and make offerings. After kayatapuja, Jyapus and Sayamis undergo Ohla (which is
less practiced these days.)
Ihi (Girls)
This is a ritual symbolic marriage with a bel (byah) fruit,
the symbol of lord Vishnu. This ceremony, celebrated at the age of 5-11 , is
done to prevent widowhood. As they are married to immortal lord, the Newar
girls never become widow.
The girls are also taught household works in Ihi.
Bahra (Girls)
After Ihi, a Newar girl undergo bahra, ritual confinement of
a girl before the onset of menstruation. A girl is kept separated from all
males and from sunlight for 12 days. On 12th day the girl has to pay homage to
the sun.
Ihipa (Marriage)
Marriage in Newar culture is social union of two families.
The parents arrange marriage for their sons and daughters. After the groom's
and bride's families decision, the marriage is confirmed by giving 10 betel
nuts along with fruits, sweets etc (known as lakha) from groom's family to the
bride.
Marriage ceremony is performed at the time scheduled by the
astrologer. Swayamber, Honkegu, Chipa Theeke (symbol of sharing everything) is
performed. Bride presents 10 betel nuts to all her family members. Brother of
her mother, paju, takes on his back and carries her out of the house. He then
presents her to the groom's family.
The bride's family visit the groom's house on the 4th day ,
to see how the bride is being treated , which is known as Khwah soye (seeing
the bride's face).
Jyah Janko
Jyah janko is old age ceremony to mark one's longevity. It
is celebrated for five times.
* First -
Bhimratharohan - At the attainment of 77 years, 7 months, 7 days
* Second -
Chadraratharohan - At the attainment of 83 years, 4 months, 4 days
* Third - Devaratharohan
- At the attainment of 88 years, 8 months, 8 days
* Forth- Divyaratharohan - At the attainment of 99 years, 9 months, 9 days
* Fifth -
Mahadivyaratharohan - At the attainment of 105 years, 8 months, 8 days
Sithan
As soon as a person dies, all the Guthi (social
organisation) members are informed. Four lamps are set around the four
direction of the corpse. Mha gele, adoration of the corpse is marked. Funeral
procession is accompanied with Nayahkhin drum followed by a lot of people wailing
and crying. Cremation is different in different castes.
