Glimpses of Samyak Festival of Patan

There is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated only here in Nepal, it is Samyak. Samyak Festival is the buddhist festival only celebrated in Nepal. The festival is celebrated in all three cities in the Kathmandu Valley but at different time intervals. In Kathmandu it is observed once in 12 years; in Patan – once in five years; and in Bhaktapur – every year. The main reason behind celebrating this festival is to honour Buddhas, especially Dipankara Buddha, who predicted Lord Sakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment in a previous lifetime. At this time, Buddhists also honour the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara, Arya Tara, and so on. It is a ceremony which is held on open ground where hundreds of Dipankar Buddha are showcased brought from different monastries (Bihars).

Samyak Festival Patan was held this year on March 12th.It was celebrated for 2 days. The first day was celebated by welcoming all the Dipankar Buddhas and other deities in Nagbahal. When all the Dipankar Buddhas from 12 main monasteries were assembled row wise in Nagbahal, it was definetly an eye pleasing sight. Devotees from different part of the country paid homage to Buddhas on the 2nd day.

Wide cross section of Newar society, including priests, artisans, traders, musicians and farmers are brought together in this festival. Each group performs certain role to celebrate Samyak Festival. The ceremony celebrates the practice of giving to the Buddhas and monks in the Newar Buddhist tradition. The Samyak festival in Kathmandu is held at Kathmandu Durbar Square and the field of Bhuikhel at the foot of Swayambhu hill.