Traditional Manmaiju Jatra Begins in Kathmandu

Kathmandu. The Manmaiju Jatra, a festival of significant religious, cultural, and historical importance, has commenced. The five-day Manmaiju (Ajima) Jatra begins annually on the day preceding Chaitra Shukla Purnima.

There is a religious belief that the Manmaiju Jatra is linked with the Jamacho fair held in Balaju. The festival of the power goddess Manmaiju Mai, introduced by the Licchavi-era King Gunakam Dev, has been celebrated every year on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Purnima.

The festival is held annually based on the auspicious dates of Chaitra and Baisakh Shukla Purnima. This year, it began on Chaitra Shukla Purnima. The formal Jatra starts after the Pradhan of Thamel sends an invitation to the deities and performs the (Netan) puja four days prior.

On the day before Chaitra Shukla Purnima, the process of erecting a ceremonial pole begins in the courtyard in front of the Manmaiju temple. Once the pole is erected, traditions dictate that one must not bathe or use agricultural tools like hoes. On the same day, Shri Indrayani Mai is brought from the deity house with musical processions and seated on the temple throne.

Local social worker Indra Man Maharjan stated that on the same night, there is a tradition of bringing (Marja) rice and the goddess's ornaments from the deity house to the Manmaiju temple to protect residents from diseases. On the second day of the festival, there is a tradition of feeding the 'Marja' (rice) as the goddess's prasad to children who have not yet undergone the Pasni ceremony and girls who have not yet undergone the Gufa ceremony to protect them from illnesses.

On the third day of the festival, Indrayani Mai (Manmaiju Ajima) is taken in a procession with music and vermilion around the historical settlement before being returned to the deity house. On the fourth day, residents of the former Manmaiju area invite relatives for a feast to share their joys and sorrows.

On the final and fifth day, the Indrayani Mai procession, accompanied by vermilion, circles the historical Manmaiju settlement before being placed back in the deity house. The tradition of lowering the ceremonial pole also takes place on this day.

On the occasion of the Manmaiju Jatra, the Manmaiju Youth Group is organizing a cultural program. Group President Hira Maharjan informed that a grand cultural program has been organized for tomorrow (Saturday), the fourth day of the festival, in Manmaiju, Tarkeshwor Municipality-9.

President Maharjan stated that the group is organizing its 13th cultural program on Saturday. He mentioned that the 13th Grand Manmaiju Cultural and Concert program is being held to coincide with the holy festival of Ajima Mai.

Maharjan noted that the program will feature Newari musical instruments, Newari and other cultural dances, singing, and Dhime dance performances. The organizers expect that special performances by various organizations and musical bands will make the event even more entertaining.

“We are organizing this cultural program with the aim of preserving Manmaiju's original art and culture and passing it on to the new generation; the cultural program is not just for entertainment but a symbol of identity and unity,” he said. The Manmaiju Jatra, which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Sunday. Tarkeshwor Municipality has also provided financial support for the festival.