Sithi Nakha

Sithi Nakha falls on the sixth day of the bright half of Jestha, usually in late May or June, just before the monsoon rains arrive. It is one of the most practical festivals in the Newar calendar: a day for cleaning the city's water sources.

Cleaning the water

In Bhaktapur, Thimi and other Newar towns, neighbourhood groups drain and clean wells, stone spouts (hiti) and ponds, removing mud and rubbish so that fresh monsoon water can recharge them. The tradition reflects the importance of the ancient water system that has served these towns for centuries.

Worship of Kumar

The day also honours Kumar (Kartikeya), the son of Shiva and brother of Ganesh. Shrines of Kumar are cleaned and worshipped, and in some places Sithi Nakha is considered his birthday.

Food

Families prepare wo (bara) made from different pulses — black lentils, mung and more — along with other dishes, and eat them together. It is said that after Sithi Nakha, festivals pause until the rice planting is done.

Why it matters today

With growing pressure on groundwater in the valley, many young people have revived Sithi Nakha clean-up campaigns, turning an old ritual into modern environmental action.