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Matina
Paru, known as Lovers’ Day in the Newah civilization of the Kathmandu Valley
since ancient times, holds profound significance in Newah culture. It is
observed annually on the following day of the full moon of December. Yomari
Punhi, a major festival of the Newars, marks the end of the harvesting season
and is celebrated on the full moon day of December with the preparation of a
special delicacy called yomari. Yomari, a closed cone-shaped cuisine made of
rice flour filled with molasses and sesame seeds, symbolizes abundance and
prosperity for the upcoming year. The festival also carries various
interpretations of the yomari's shape, ranging from representing the earth to
symbolizing male and female characteristics.
Matina Paru, referred to as Newar's Valentine's Day, is intertwined with the folklore of Majipa Lakhey, a demon also known as the Peaceful Bhairava. Natives of Kathmandu celebrate the enduring love story between Majipa Lakhey and his beloved, symbolizing themes of love, sacrifice, and acceptance. Despite being a fearsome demon, Majipa Lakhey is revered as a deity, highlighting the complexities of folklore and tradition in Nepalese culture. Majipa Lakhey, also known as the Peaceful Bhairava, is a revered figure considered to be the protector of children in Nepalese folklore.
According
to stories passed down through generations, Majipa Lakhey fell in love with a
girl in Kathmandu. He took a human form to see his beloved. Upon knowing the
fact that the person is a Lakhey (demon), the people captured him, and
presented him to the king. The king made a proposal to the demon that he would
grant him a place in the city if he vowed to protect the children from other
demons. Majipa agreed and resided in the Kathmandu City ever since with his
beloved. Majipa Lakhey's love story underscores themes of love, sacrifice, and
acceptance, resonating with the cultural fabric of Nepal and its rich folklore
traditions.
Majipa
Lakhey dance is a special attraction of the Indra Jatra festival of the
Kathmandu Valley that falls the week of the full moon of the month of Yenlaa of
the Nepal Sambat calendar that falls in August–September.
In
the Newar civilization of the Kathmandu Valley, Lovers' Day, also known as
"Matina Paru", back-to-back with "Yomari Punhi", is
celebrated as a festival of love and romance. It falls in the month of December
and is a day when couples celebrate their love and affection for each other.
The festival is marked by the exchange of gifts, sweets, and tokens of love
between lovers. It is also a time for couples to reaffirm their commitment to
each other and express their feelings openly. The day is also celebrated with
feasting, music, and dance, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
One
of the key traditions of Matina Paru is the preparation and sharing of yomari,
a special sweet dish made of rice flour and filled with sweet fillings like
molasses, sesame seeds, or spices. The yomari is considered a symbol of love
and is exchanged between lovers as a gesture of affection.
The
Newars are an indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, and they have
a rich cultural heritage, which includes various traditional songs and rituals.
"Yomari Punhi" is a special festival celebrated by the Newar
community, and it involves the worship of Annapurna, the Goddess of grains.
"Matina Paru" is also a significant cultural practice in the Newar
community, which involves various rituals, dances, and songs.
Overall,
Lovers' Day in the Newar civilization of the Kathmandu Valley is a day of joy,
love, and togetherness, bringing couples closer and strengthening their bond.
It is a celebration of love that is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition
of the Newar community.
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