In the southwest of Kathmandu, the residents of Kirtipur, Panga, Nagau, Lhwakot, Bosigaun, Satungal, and Machhegaun are called the "Seven Villagers." A confluence located northeast of the Bakhu River (Indramati River) in this area is called Bakhul. This is a significant site, and the primary deity worshipped here is Vishnudevi (Vaishnavi). The annual festival for this deity is known as the Bakhumad Jatra.
Since the festival takes place simultaneously in seven villages, it is called the "Seven Village Festival" or "Nhaya Village Festival."
This festival primarily celebrates the Ashtamatrika goddesses. Each village has its goddess and way of celebrating. The processions of Vishnudevi, Mahalaxmi, and Indrayani Devi are prominent in this festival. Among the seven villages, Kirtipur celebrates its festival on Tuesday.
Bakhumad:
To the west of Kathmandu, near Shobha Bhagawati and Guheshwari, there is a tantric goddess Lunti Ajima, one of the Ashtamatrikas, at the shrine of Indrayani Devi. During the Bala Chaturdashi festival, pairs of sparrows, snakes, and pigeons are offered in the ritual fire (Havan). One year, a pigeon offered in the fire flew away and settled in Kirtipur, marking the spot known as Bakhul. Since then, pigeons have not been sacrificed in that area. Bakhul means pigeon, and this incident led to the term "Bakhumad." The place is now known as Balkhu. Different deities like Vishnudevi, Indrayani, Brahmayani, Maheshwari, Kumari, Barahi, Singhini, Vyaghri, Ganesh, and Bhairav are worshipped in the Bakhumad Jatra.
Panga:
Panga is one of the seven villages. While the exact date of its settlement is unknown, it is recorded that Ratna Malla organized the settlement in NS 621 to provide security to the southern region of Kirtipur and established Vishnudevi in Bhajangal for protection. "Pa Chhwoni Gu" in Newari refers to those taking turns for security, leading to the name "Panga."
Festivals:
The main deities of this village are Vishnudevi and Bal Kumari. Annually, the deities are taken on a palanquin procession around the village during the local Jatra. Initially, all village affairs were managed by the Guthi, but after the formation of village development committees and municipalities, developmental works are handled by local bodies. Nevertheless, Guthis continues to organize festivals and other events.
Panga has five Guthis:
- Shrestha Guthi Hwangkali Guthi
- Maharjan Guthi 1) Shri Bhairav Nath Ta Guthi
- 2) Shri Bhairav Aju Sikuche Guthi (Chhi Guthi)
- 3) Pukhusi Guthi (Dye Guthi)
- Khadgi Guthi (Butcher Guthi).
Each Guthi performs its specific functions during festivals. There are two main shrines in Panga: Vishnudevi in Bhajangal and Bal Kumari in Deukhhel. The main temple in Panga's central square (Lachi) houses these deities taken out for the annual Jatra.
During the festival, the Khadgi Guthi arranges two or three buffaloes for the Mand Mayi sacrifice, supervised by the Maharjan Guthi. A chosen buffalo is worshipped and offered in a ritual that involves making a thick alcoholic brew called "Bhelu," which the Guthi members prepare and consume.
On the sixth day of Thillathwa, Guthi members gather to prepare for the festival. The seventh day, known as "Chhwela Bhw," involves roasting meat, which is then shared among the members. The selected buffalo is sacrificed, and its blood is offered to the deities in the Bal Kumari temple.
The main festival day, "Sinhaya," involves a grand procession with musical instruments. Deities are taken around the village, and every household performs a ritual. The deities are then returned to their respective temples. While Panga has its main procession on the ninth day, Nagau celebrates it on the eighth, and Kirtipur and other places on the tenth day.
Significance and Celebration:
The Bakhumad Jatra is a significant local festival celebrated by inviting relatives and friends. Priests from Lalitpur perform the ritual fire worship, as Kirtipur was historically part of Lalitpur. The Seven Villagers joyously commemorate this festival, drawing locals and guests to participate in the vibrant festivities.
Festival