KATHMANDU, Nov 14: The Nepal Sambat New Year 1144 is being celebrated across the country today amidst various programs.

The people of the Newar community have been celebrating the Nepal Sambat New Year's Day. Nepal Sambat is an indigenous calendar of Nepal.

Nepal Sambat or calendar year was started by Shankhadhar Sakhwa by relieving the people of Nepal of debt and slavery during the rule of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev in 880 AD.

Recognizing the contribution of Shankhadhar Sakhwa to the country and people, the government led by the then Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had announced Sakhwa a national luminary on November 18, 1999.

Similarly, Mha Puja — the worship of oneself — is celebrated today by the Newar community across the country. The Newar community marks the Nepal Sambat, New Year, in the morning and Mha Puja in the evening. Mha Puja falls on the Newari New Year based on the Newari calendar, Nepal Sambat.

Literally, Mha Puja means self-worship. People of the Newari community mark this occasion on the fourth night of Tihar, Kartik Shukla Pratipada, by worshiping self with a hope that light of knowledge shall spread after the destruction of ignorance. 

On this day, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagrams as symbols of their souls) are drawn on the floor and worshiped. Family members sit in front of the mandalas and the lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread Jajanka and fruits symbolizing long life and good fortune.

 
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