Kathmandu, 11 Aug: The Mataya pilgrimage has begun, which is celebrated every year the day after Gai Jatra. In Patan, one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu, this important city festival has now started.
There is a belief that everyone must participate in the Mataya pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Patan’s Mataya has a close connection with Buddhism. It is celebrated with special importance by Buddhist devotees. With the beginning of Gumlā (a festival that usually starts in the second week of the Nepali month of Shrawan), the people of Patan welcome Mataya by parading around the city for several nights accompanied by traditional music and instruments.
What happens on the day of Mataya?
On the day of the Mataya pilgrimage, participants must visit the 1,400 religious sites scattered across Patan. The journey begins early in the morning and is traditionally led by special priests. Completing the pilgrimage takes the entire day.
During the pilgrimage, devotees offer rice, flowers, and money at chaityas according to their means. Some participants play traditional musical instruments, while others carry candles, and some even dress up as demons to take part in the procession.
What does history say?
According to locals, this pilgrimage began during the Licchavi period. It is believed that Gun Kamdev, the son of King Balchandra Dev, started the pilgrimage by involving the people of ten neighborhoods of Patan: Mangalbazaar, Chakrabahil, Ikha Che:, Bubahal, Haugal, Okubahal, Kobahal, Saugal, and Nakbahil. Mataya is also known as Neku Jatra. In the Newar language, neku means buffalo. Since it is celebrated the day after Gai Jatra, it may have been called Neku Mataya for this reason.
In the Newar language, matah means “light” and ya means “festival” or “journey.” As it falls in the middle of Gumlā, it is also taken as a celebration of the peak point of life’s journey.
Another legend is linked to Gautama Buddha. While Lord Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, a demon named Mara tried to trouble him. Mara claimed that the seat Buddha was sitting on belonged to him and sent his army to drive Buddha away.
The soldiers all asked in unison: “Who is the witness that this place belongs to you?”
From beneath the ground, the Earth itself replied: “I am the witness.”
After this declaration, Mara and his army vanished. It is said that they went directly to the realm of Yama (the god of death).
The Gai Jatra festival celebrated in Kathmandu is also linked to this event. It is said that Mara reached the realm of Yama on the very day of Gai Jatra, and that people who die on this day attain liberation.
