Residents in Bhaktapur observed the Mohani Nakh festival on Vijaya Dashami by receiving red tika, jamara, and a distinctive black tika known as mohani si:na between their eyebrows. According to cultural expert Prakash Kayastha, the community regards this black marking as a representation of tantric and captivating energy. During the auspicious morning hours, households applied the black tika before visiting the Brahmayani temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. This tradition led to large crowds gathering at the shrine throughout the day and continuing into the night. The nighttime schedule involves the Navadurga deities travelling from Brahmayani to meet Taleju, where they pay respects and solidify mantras. Following this, participants carry Taleju in a grand procession accompanied by a sword festival, with a white horse belonging to Taleju trailing behind to complete the municipal circumambulation that concludes the celebrations.
Bhaktapur Newar community observes Mohani Nakh festival
Residents receive black tika, red tika, and jamara from elders to mark the occasion linked with Navadurga.
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In short
- Newars in Bhaktapur celebrated Mohani Nakh on Vijaya Dashami with red tika and jamara.
- Cultural expert Prakash Kayastha noted that the black forehead mark represents tantric power.
- Devotees visited the Brahmayani temple for worship after applying the morning tika.
From public sources and the WeNepal research team
https://wenepal.com/article/bhaktapur-newar-community-observes-mohani-nakh-festival-20261021
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