Newar community cleans water sources for Sithi Nakha festival

The Newar community in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley observed the annual Sithi Nakha festival on Saturday, focusing on the vital task of cleaning traditional water sources ahead of the monsoon season. This yearly observance underscores the community's deep connection to its cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Celebrated on the sixth day of the waxing moon in Jestha, the festival is a communal effort to maintain wells, ponds, and stone spouts, ensuring they remain uncontaminated as the monsoon rains begin. In Lalitpur, residents actively participated in cleaning these historic water sources, a tradition passed down through generations.

Beyond its environmental importance, Sithi Nakha is also a time for culinary celebration. Families and neighborhoods come together for feasts, sharing traditional foods and reinforcing the strong bonds within the community. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of the Newar community's identity, blending cultural preservation with practical environmental care.