New Year
New Year's Day falls on the first day of the waxing moon. Traditionally, traders used to close their ledgers and open new account books on the first day of Nepal Sambat.
Newars observe New Year's Day by performing Mha Puja (Nepal Bhasa: म्हपुजा), a ritual to purify and empower the soul for the coming New Year besides praying for longevity. During this ceremony, family members sit cross-legged in a row on the floor in front of mandalas (sand paintings) drawn for each person. Offerings are made to the mandala, and each family member is presented auspicious ritual food which includes boiled egg, smoked fish and rice wine.
Outdoor celebrations of the new year consist of cultural processions, pageants, rallies and functions in which the prime minister and other government leaders participate. Marking a break from tradition, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai gave his speech at the New Year's Day programme in 2011 in Nepal Bhasa. Streets and market squares are decorated with arches, gates and banners bearing new year greetings.
Read more about this topic: Nepal Sambat
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