Digu Puja is a Newar Commnity rite that aims to restore family togetherness.

Among the Newar Commnity  of Kathmandu Valley, Digu puja (Dewali) is a rite for worshiping lineage gods. This study, beginning with a brief overview of puja rituals, provides a full explanation of Nepal‘s family system dating back to the ancient time. Following changes in the fields of education and politics, the disintegration of the joint family system and the emergence of the nuclear family concept in Nepal will be examined. Finally, how other festivals, in addition to Digu puja (Dewali), aid in the creation of a bond between separated family members, will be examined.

Digu puja (Dewali) is a ritual  in which a person worships the linage god of the clan to which he or she belongs. Some people refer to it as Dewali puja or Digu puja (Dewali). This rite is performed by both Newars and non-Newars. They all do it to re-establish a sense of belonging among family members who have common forebears. In the context of the Newari community, Digu puja (Dewali) might be thought of as the Newars’ annual worship. On this day, people worship the Kul Devta (the clan’s idol god).

Digu Dyo is the god of Dugu Puja or Dewali Puja. Because the word Dugu in the Newari language refers to a male goat, they worship it first and sacrifice it in the name of their linage god. Digu puja (Dewali)‘s god is frequently said to as an open Diety. The shrines that are worshipped on Digu puja (Dewali) can be seen in public places. People of another lineage, on the other hand, are utterly unaware of the entire ritual of worshipping and sacrificing on that day.

In addition to the many caste systems in Newar groups, the day for doing Digu puja (Dewali) differs by caste. From the day of Vaishakh Sukla Tritiya(Akshaya Tritiya), people commemorate this festival. People then do Digu puja (Dewali) on Sunday or Thursday until Jestha Sukla Shashti.All of the dates stated are based on the Lunar calendar.The origins of this ceremony can be traced back to the Malla period. If they are unable to do this ceremony on the above-mentioned day, they may execute it on day of Sithi Nakha .Newlywed Brides, as well as children who had their Ihi (Females) and Bratabanda (Males) done the previous year, are brought to the location to be introduced as formal members of the lineage in front of the ancestor goddess.

Digu puja (Dewali) and Ihi

People have celebrated this day as one of the most important holidays for the prosperity and blessings of their family and lineage from the time of the Malla. Also revered and offered the Sheu on this day is the Ihi macha (the girl whose Ihi ritual was performed the previous year).Sheu is a chunk of goat meat that has been sacrificed. Female Newars do not normally eat or receive the Sheu, but they do on that particular day. They never return to Digu Dyo on the day of the puja after that. Nonetheless, this technique has evolved to a degree. Females are now seen actively engaging in the puja as well. To execute the puja, people adhere to certain laws and regulations, as well as specific limits on food contracts.
There is a notion that this puja will bring their forefathers and mothers wealth.

If someone in the family or family circle dies, no one can do the Digu puja (Dewali) ritual until the next year.

Story Behind Digu puja (Dewali) 

The valley of Kathmandu had previously been ten. It began to settle here slowly after Manjushree chopped out the hill of Chobhar. People come from all over the world to live in this location. Everyone who arrived from that route brought their Gods to worship in the open rather than in their city. That is, those who came from the east worshiped by gazing eastward, just as those who came from the side worshiped by gazing westward. As a result.

′′ Digu Khyo :” is the open space where your God is established. ′′ Digu ′′ signifies Digu Dyo: If yes, ′′ Khyo :” is a large open area. Digudya can be found in all directions of Bhaktapur. There are three temples in Siddha Pokhari, Bhaju Pokhari, Kamal Binayak, and Adarsh Bhimsensthan if there is Digu Dyo. There are three temples these places as listed.
1. The temple to the North Direction of Bhimsensthan
2. Hanuman Ghat‘s East Direction ‘s temple
3. The temple located on Kalacha Marg.

In the native language, these three temples are known as Thathu Suvya, Dathu Suvya  and Kuthu Suvya. All three temples have one level, three Doors, a Canopy, and a Toran, and are designed in the style of a pagoda with a traditional Roofing. Two of these, at Hanuman Ghat and Kalacha Marg, have been repaired, while the other, at Bhimsensthan, has not. There is no figure for any of these Digu Dyo.The Saptarishis are the ones, according to the clan of the beginning of the clan, and the Saptarishis’ Ishtadeva is Digu Dyo. As a result, Digu Dyo says, “This deity has no form since it is eternal.”

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