KATHMANDU: Members of the Newar community are celebrating the Sithi Nakha festival today.

The cultural festival falls on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Jeth according to the lunar calendar.

As a part of the festival, the Newars clean their houses as well as wells, ponds and other water sources in the neighbourhood. They also worship these water sources.

This annual festival is significant that it teaches society the importance of conserving the water sources and keeping them clean. It also highlights the importance of water in life.

According to history and culture experts, the celebration dates back to ancient times although the exact time people began celebrating this festival is not known.

The festival is considered one of the important festivals of the Newar community.