Bisket Jatra is a famous festival celebrated in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. It usually falls in April, and marks the Nepalese New Year.
During this festival, a chariot carrying images of various deities is pulled through the streets, accompanied by music, dancing, and celebrations.
The chariot procession during the festival involves carrying images of various deities through the streets. Devotees participate in these processions to show their devotion and seek blessings from the divine.
The festival also includes various rituals, such as erecting a 55-foot ceremonial pole called “yosin” representing a pair of serpents and pulling it down, symbolizing the destruction of evil spirits.
People gather to witness these events believed to cleanse the community of evil spirits and negativity and it’s a lively and colourful celebration that attracts both locals and tourists.
The Bisket Jatra festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions.
Bisket Jatra marks the Nepalese New Year and is seen as a time of renewal and rejuvenation.
The festival coincides with the spring season and the beginning of the agricultural cycle. It is believed to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest and fertility in the land.
Bisket Jatra is also a time for community bonding and unity. People come together to celebrate, participate in rituals, and enjoy cultural performances, fostering a sense of togetherness and solidarity.
Bisket Jatra encompasses elements of spirituality, cultural heritage, agricultural significance, and communal celebration, making it a deeply rooted and cherished festival in Bhaktapur.
By: Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)