Tamang Community Observes Historic Temal Jatra in Kathmandu

Kathmandu. On the occasion of Chaitra Purnima, the Tamang community celebrated the historically and religiously significant Temal Jatra in the Boudha area of Kathmandu with great devotion. This festival, observed annually on the day of Chaitra Purnima at Boudha, Swayambhunath, and Namobuddha, is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural identity of the Tamang community.

According to tradition, this festival, believed to have originated from the Temal region of Kavre, involves the practice of lighting lamps and performing rituals to pray for the peace of the souls of departed relatives. During the festival, devotees lit 'Chhomi' (lamps) at the Boudha Stupa premises and performed 'Ngo' puja in the name of the deceased. A special 'Ngowa Monlam' prayer ceremony was also conducted under the leadership of Lama gurus.

Following Tamang customs, it is traditional to keep the remains (astu) of deceased family members at home, lighting lamps and performing prayers. In accordance with this tradition, after performing rituals at Boudha on Chaitra Purnima, devotees visit the Balaju Baisdhara for a holy bath, followed by a visit to Swayambhunath to light lamps and immerse the remains. 

It is believed that performing these rituals brings peace to the souls of the departed and helps them attain heaven. The festival, which begins on the evening of Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi, sees significant participation from the Tamang community arriving from various districts including Makwanpur, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, and Kavrepalanchok. The tradition concludes after bathing at the Balaju Baisdhara on the morning of Purnima and offering prayers at Swayambhunath. Photos: Nepal Photo Library