MATAYA

Matya is a typical Buddhist festival of Nepal which in Newari means the festival of lights. It is, however, quite different from Deepawali which is celebrated every year in the month of November. Mataya is a festival in the form of a procession that begins early in the morning on the third day of the dark fortnight of Shrawan (August). One of the most fascinating features of this festival is a long parade of enthusiastic shrine walkers who go around all the Buddhist shrines scattered in and around the city of Lalitpur or Patan. It must be remembered here that Patan alone has more than 1300 Buddhist shrines. The shrine-walkers visit all those shrines in a colourful procession walking through the traditionally prescribed routes. Thousands and thousands of devotees participate in this parade and walk the whole day to cover all the shrines. The rest of the people just watch the procession by staying at suitable locations and places. They carry a variety of exciting gifts to make offerings to Lord Buddha in all the shrines. The offering of oil or butter lamps to lord Buddha is a dominant feature of this auspicious day. According to popular belief, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment on this day by overcoming the Maras or the evils personified. 

Legends say that when Shakyamuni Gautam was in deep penance to attain Nirvana, all the Mara’s, came down to detract him by disguising themselves into different disturbing and ferocious forms as well as attractive damsels or nymphs to disturb his meditation. Finally, the Buddha Shakya Muni overcame Maras and became the enlightened one. Later, all the Mara’s came to confess their sins and surrendered to Lord Buddha and worshipped Him with great honor. Ever since this festival is believed to have come into existence to mark this great day. 

This parade is accordingly comprised of devotees of all kinds including various forms of Mara’s and groups of musicians and artists demonstrating Nepalese musical and cultural traditions. It takes about twelve hours to complete the round to the entire Buddhist shrines.

This occasion is celebrated with lavish feasts and fun. Management and organization of the parade are handled by the people of various areas of Patan in rotation of ten years.