The Newa community in the Kathmandu Valley observed Sithi Nakha on Sunday by cleaning water sources such as wells, stone spouts, ponds, and springs, marking the festival as a day dedicated to environmental conservation.

Sithi Nakha, celebrated annually, is a traditional festival focused on the preservation and sanitation of water sources, which were historically vital during the dry season. Locals gather in neighbourhoods to clean communal water points, honouring a centuries-old practice tied to sustainable living.

The festival also coincides with the start of the monsoon and the rice-planting season. Cleaning water sources just before the rains helps recharge the water supply, making the day especially significant from both environmental and agricultural perspectives.

Sithi Nakha is also celebrated as the birthday of Kumar, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Water from the cleaned sources is not used for four days after the ritual, allowing sediments to settle—a practice considered important both spiritually and scientifically. Traditional foods such as samaybaji, bara, and chatamari are consumed on this day, believed to boost strength for the upcoming paddy planting season.

Here are some photos taken by the Post’s photojournalist Hemanta Shrestha.