Centennial Lasta Samyak Mahadan Observed in Lalitpur with Grand Rituals
Lalitpur – Marked a historic milestone with the observance of the centenary Lasta Samyak Mahadan at Nyakhachok on January 14–15, 2026, commemorating 100 years since Bagh Narsingh Shakya (Lama Aju) established the revered Dipankar Tathagata. The event was organised by the Shree Lama Aju Dipankar Guthi.
The celebration highlighted the enduring legacy of Samyak Mahadan, a centuries-old Newa Buddhist tradition deeply embedded in the cultural life of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival is traditionally observed every five years in Lalitpur, every 12 years in Kathmandu, and annually in Bhaktapur, reflecting its unique rhythm across the three historic cities.
Regarded as a powerful symbol of generosity, compassion, and communal harmony, Samyak Mahadan brought together idols of Dipankar Tathagata and other Buddhas for special worship. The rituals included prayers, offerings, and collective alms-giving ceremonies, reinforcing the festival’s spiritual significance.
While a Samyak Mahadan is celebrated quinquennially in Patan, this specific observance marks a rare century cycle.
Members of the Shakya and Bajracharya communities from across the Valley participated in the observance, offering alms to monks and engaging in rituals passed down through generations.
Beyond its religious importance, the centenary celebration was seen as a vital cultural moment for preserving and strengthening the religious, historical, and cultural identity of the Newa Buddhist community, underscoring Samyak Mahadan’s continued role in Lalitpur’s living heritage.
