31/08/2026
Neku Jatra – Mataya is one of the most fascinating cultural and religious festivals celebrated in the ancient city of Patan, Lalitpur, Nepal. Known as the Festival of Lights, this sacred Newa: tradition brings together mythology, Buddhism, music, pilgrimage, remembrance and centuries-old cultural heritage.
But behind the festival lies an extraordinary ancient legend...
According to the traditional story, King Singhaketu was a passionate hunter who killed animals and birds every day. Despite repeated warnings from his compassionate queen Sulakshyana, the king refused to abandon violence and embrace a life of kindness.
After their deaths, the consequences of their actions followed them into their next lives.
The king was reborn as a buffalo, while Queen Sulakshyana was reborn as a beautiful young woman named Rupawati. One day, Rupawati discovered through the Bodhisattva Suparaga that the buffalo she cared for was actually her husband from her previous life.
She was told that after the buffalo's death, she must collect his bones, bury them, build a sacred sand stupa, offer water using one of his horns, and play the other horn while circumambulating the chaitya in devotion.
What happened next became the foundation of a remarkable legend.
Through Rupawati's devotion and merit, the humble sand stupa transformed into a radiant Ratna Chaitya. From the sacred horn emerged her former husband, reborn once again in human form. He revealed that after suffering the consequences of his past actions, Rupawati's spiritual devotion had helped him attain a better rebirth.
The horn became known as the Shringabheri, and the people began playing the sacred buffalo horn while worshipping the chaityas.
Thus began the tradition associated with Neku Jatra – Mataya.
The name itself reflects the major elements of this ancient festival:
Neku — Buffalo horn
Jatra — Festival or sacred journey
Mata — Light or lamp
Ya — Sacred journey or pilgrimage
Celebrated during the Gumla month, shortly after G*i Jatra, thousands of devotees walk through the historic streets of Patan, visiting chaityas, stupas, monasteries and sacred sites. Lamps are lit in memory of loved ones, prayers are offered, and the ancient city comes alive with devotion, music and spiritual energy.
Mataya is more than a festival.
It is a journey through light and darkness, karma and compassion, death and rebirth, memory and spiritual awakening.
With its beautiful combination of mythology, religious rituals, sacred music and mass participation, Neku Jatra – Mataya remains a living heritage of the Newa: community and the historic city of Patan.
This is the story of an ancient king, a compassionate queen, a buffalo horn, a miraculous chaitya—and a tradition that continues to illuminate Nepal's cultural heritage.
Watch, discover and experience the ancient legend behind Neku Jatra – Mataya.
