Newari Tantra

During the Khadga Jatra on Bijaya Dashami, groups of people in Kathmandu emerge from their respective localities, embodying warrior deities with khadgas, the sacred swords of these divine figures, firmly in hand. As they make their way through the streets, their bodies tremble, reinforcing the widespread belief that the deities themselves have taken possession of those carrying the swords. Large crowds follow, holding their own consecrated khadgas, forming elaborate processions.

Known among its Newar patrons as Paya, this festival's name is still a topic of scholarly debate. Cultural expert Indra Mali suggests that the name might derive from two Newari words: ‘Pa,’ referring to traditional weapons like axes or swords, and ‘ya,’ meaning a procession or festival.
Paya processions are conducted by various Newar communities throughout Kathmandu, traversing different areas during the celebration. Notable locations include Te Bahal, Wotu, Ason, Ko Hiti, and Maha Boudhha, all of which organize their own Khadga Jatras. Typically, the elders of each community lead these processions, with groups of 20 to 50 people following them. However, in the Ason procession, held a day after Bijaya Dashami, it is the youngest members of the community who take the lead.

Dashain holds particular significance for the Newars, who honor their Ishta Devata, a cherished deity known as Aagam in the Newar language. The Aagam deity is regarded with such reverence that it is only unveiled to immediate family members or members of their Guthis (guilds). Among the many customs observed during Dashain, the worship of the Aagam deity is central. The khadga, a special sword, is typically placed beside the Aagam deity and only brought out during Paya or Khadga Jatra, when it is paraded in public by the various communities.

The Paya festival is celebrated as a victory procession, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, inspired by the legend of Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Held on Bijaya Dashami, it commemorates the day when the deities were believed to have vanquished evil. To symbolize the defeat of evil, participants in the procession slice kuvindo (ash gourd), which represents the forces of darkness.

On the same day, a Paya procession is also organized from the Taleju Temple, though it differs in certain respects. The Taleju Paya is led by the temple's priests, who, unlike other processions, do not dress as deities but rather in everyday attire. This procession does not include the ritual of slicing ash gourd, and a distinctive feature of the Taleju Paya is the presence of Hanuman, the monkey god, within the procession. This reflects the deep-rooted connection between Kathmandu and Tantric practices, which were particularly prominent during the medieval period. The khadga is not only a weapon but also a potent symbol of Tantric warrior deities. It is said that the alignment of the temples dedicated to the Asta Matrikas, the eight forms of Goddess Durga situated across Kathmandu, forms the shape of a khadga.

Tantra has played a significant role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of Nepal, especially in Kathmandu. The integration of Tantra in festivals like Paya highlights the deep interconnection between religious practices and Tantric beliefs. Tantra in Nepal transcends simple ritualistic practices; it is a way of life that permeates various aspects of daily existence, from sacred architecture to the intricate rituals marking important life events. The Newar community, in particular, has preserved a sophisticated form of Tantra, blending both Hindu and Buddhist elements into a unique tradition. The rituals, symbols, and deities invoked during Paya processions reflect this rich Tantric heritage, where the divine is believed to manifest in the material world, guiding and protecting the community. The enduring practice of Paya, with its deep Tantric roots, serves as a living testament to Nepal's vibrant spiritual tradition, which continues to thrive in the modern era, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.