Jyaa Punhi (the full moon of the month of Jestha, May-June), also Palanti Punhi, is the most important festival of Panauti, the small historic Newar city located at the junction of Punyamati and Rosi rivers, in the Banepa valley. During nearly ten days, the inhabitants of Panauti celebrate and pay homage to their protecting deities: Indreshwar Mahadev, Bhadrakali, Unmatta Bhairav and Brahmayani. The idols are taken out of their temples, placed in palanquin or ceremonial chariots and carried/pulled in the various quarters of the city according to a prescribed route. It is a period of joy, of family gathering, of feast, and visit to friends. Jyaa Punhi also corresponds to a seasonal change, announcing the coming of the nourishing monsoon rain.
This festival is the Desh Jatra; it is peculiar to this city and cannot be seen in other Newar towns or village. People from nearby places come to attend it. The pageant expresses the unity of the locality, where all Newar castes of the city collaborate to carry out the various functions.
Vibrant Jyaa Punhi Jatra (photo feature)
Interestingly, Pode fishermen take care of the bowels of a buffalo which has been sacrificed to Thampa Bhairava. They offer some of this meat to Indreshvar Mahadev on the eve of the full moon and carry the rest in other parts of the city. This fascinating ritual is called la pulegu. It commemorates the death of a past usurper (Bhaju Kasa by name) and the final victory of Bhupatindra Malla, a famous king of Bhaktapur, over this tricky person.
Photo: Prashant Shrestha
Text: Gérard Toffin
