Nepal Sambat 1147 welcomed: Sukunda rally in Kathmandu, preparations for Mha Puja

The Nepali Congress's Kathmandu Metropolitan Committee organized a Sukunda rally to welcome Nepal Sambat 1147.

The rally began from Lagan Tole on the evening of Kartik 21 with party president Gagan Kumar Thapa taking part. Participants carried Sukunda lamps and circled through Brahma Tole, Jaisi Dewal, Kasthamandap, Indrachowk and New Road Gate before reaching Tebahal.

In Newar tradition, the Sukunda is regarded as a lamp of religious and cultural significance. The rally featured cultural displays, with leaders, cadres, local elected representatives and the general public taking part.

Organizers said the rally was meant to help the new generation understand the historical significance of Nepal Sambat. President Thapa urged everyone to leave hatred, revenge and prejudice behind with the old year and begin the new year on a positive note, wishing everyone "Nhu Dya Bhintuna."

The same day, at a program organized by the Nagbahal Tole Improvement Committee in Lalitpur, Thapa said heritage conservation and modernity should be advanced in a balanced way. He said relationships such as love, harmony and brotherhood matter more than physical heritage.

Meanwhile, the Newar community observes Mha Puja on the fourth day of Tihar, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, which also marks the new year of Nepal Sambat. In Mha Puja, people worship their own body, formed of the five elements.