A group of people standing and looking into a sunken stone well structure in a paved traditional courtyard.

Sithi Nakha: Water Walk Program

As we welcome the monsoon and begin the rice plantation, we are delighted to share some of our memorable experiences of the spring season. One of the highlights was the celebration of Sithi Na:Kha:, which was observed a month later due to the leap year in the Nepal calendar.

Following the wonderful response of last year, we were honored to host Water Heritage Walk, with Mr. Anil Chitrakar and Mr. Padma Sundar Joshi, dignitaries, along with many other esteemed guests, who joined us in exploring Bhaktapur's remarkable traditional water systems and cultural heritage.

Reviving the Ancient Water Wisdom of Bhaktapur

Walking through the ancient, brick-paved squares of Bhaktapur, one is immediately surrounded by centuries of continuous history. Yet, the survival of this historic living city relies on something far more fundamental than its exquisite architecture. As heritage expert Mr. Anil Chitrakar noted during our recent heritage walk, "If there is no water, the civilization dies."

At The Nanee, our ethos is rooted in presenting traditional wisdom with a contemporary perspective. True luxury for the conscious traveler lies in understanding and participating in the living heritage that sustains our destination. Recently, this commitment brought us together with a diverse group of stakeholders, engineers, and community leaders to observe Sithi Na: Kha—a profound Newa festival dedicated to the conservation of our ancestral water systems.

Two women working beside a traditional circular brick well, with one wearing yellow rubber gloves leaning over the structure.

The Festival of Environmental Stewardship

Celebrated on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Jestha, Sithi Na: Kha beautifully intertwines religious devotion with practical environmentalism. Also known as the birthday of Kumar Kartikeya, the festival is a designated day for Newa communities to come together and clean their local water sources—wells, ponds, and the traditional stone spouts known as hitis—just before the monsoon rains arrive.

An intricately carved wooden torana archway decorative lintel above a traditional building entrance.

In Bhaktapur, the day is further enlivened by the Bhagwati Jatra at Taumadhi Square, where devotees gather beneath the Dyochen window to catch Siyue, a sacred offering that symbolizes divine grace. However, the spiritual reverence of the day has always served a critical civic function: ensuring that public water resources are clear of debris so that the impending monsoon can effectively recharge the city's subterranean aquifers.

Through cultural symbols like the Makara—the mythical aquatic creature adorning traditional spouts—ancient urban planners ensured that the vital relationship between water and human existence remained at the forefront of the public consciousness.

An Engineering Marvel Facing Modern Challenges

The traditional water management of the Kathmandu Valley is a marvel of indigenous engineering. As Ar. Dr. Padma Sundar Joshi explained during our event, ancient settlements were masterfully planned with numerous ponds and reservoirs. These water bodies acted as natural recharge zones, allowing rainwater to seep into the earth, replenish the aquifers, and feed the sophisticated, gravity-fed hiti network throughout the dry season.

Today, however, this ancient system faces an existential threat. The traditional hitis in Bhaktapur currently do not have water flowing through them.

Restoring this system is no longer just about preserving a cultural artifact for tourism; it is a vital modern necessity. As the township of Bhaktapur continues to grow, reviving this sustainable, decentralized water network is a crucial contingency plan to ensure the city’s resilience in the face of natural calamities and climate change.
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A group of people gathered around a traditional brick well in an open courtyard.

A Collaborative Commitment to Restoration

Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, The Nanee organized a specialized heritage walk and conservation initiative in the heart of Bhaktapur. We were honored to be joined by a distinguished group of attendees, including representatives from various embassies, dedicated researchers, the Nepal Tourism Board, the local municipality, and the Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee.

Detailed view of an ornate, traditional dragon-shaped carved water spout.

Guided by Mr. Chitrakar’s cultural insights and Dr. Joshi’s technical expertise, our guests gained a comprehensive understanding of how spirituality, architecture, and engineering were once perfectly synchronized in Newa society.

Action, however, must accompany awareness. To honor the tradition of Sithi Na: Kha and collaborate with the engineers working tirelessly for this restoration, our dedicated team at The Nanee took practical steps by physically cleaning a public well, preparing it to capture the season's rains.

A Newar woman cooking traditional lentil patties (Bara) on a large flat iron tawa inside a local eatery in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Experience the Best Newari Food in Bhaktapur at The Nanee

For those seeking an authentic Newari dining experience, The Nanee in Bhaktapur offers a curated selection of both traditional and contemporary Newari flavours across its distinct dining outlets:

  • Bara Shop at The Nanee – Specialising in traditional Newari delicacies, featuring dishes like Bara, Samay Baji, and Choila, made using age-old recipes.
  • Community at The Nanee – A space for contemporary interpretations of Newari cuisine, blending classic flavours with modern techniques.
  • Rooftop at The Nanee – An exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where guests can savour an elevated Newari tasting menu, crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Following the conservation effort, the gathering concluded with a Guthi Bhwoe—a traditional Newa community feast. Sharing this historic meal together reinforced the bonds of community and shared responsibility that are essential for long-term conservation.