Nepal is a land of diverse cultures, festivals, and traditions, each one unique and colorful. Among these, Bisket Jatra stands out as one of the most vibrant and energetic festivals celebrated in the country, particularly in the ancient city of Bhaktapur. This festival marks the Nepali New Year and is renowned for its dynamic rituals, lively processions, and communal spirit. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, experiencing Bisket Jatra like a local offers a chance to delve deep into Nepalese heritage, connect with the local community, and be part of a centuriesold celebration.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Bisket Jatra, from its historical significance to the best ways to participate. We’ll also provide insights into local customs, what to expect during the celebrations, and how to make the most of this unique festival.
Table of Contents
1. What is Bisket Jatra?
Bisket Jatra is an annual festival celebrated primarily in Bhaktapur, an ancient city located about 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The festival is observed to welcome the Nepali New Year, which falls in midApril. Bisket Jatra is celebrated with fervor over several days, involving rituals, parades, traditional music, and dramatic chariot processions that make it one of the most anticipated events in the city.
The name “Bisket” is derived from two words: “Bi” meaning snake and “Sket” meaning death, which is tied to local myths. The festival is associated with the death of two snakes, as well as the victory of good over evil. The celebrations include large wooden chariots carrying the images of gods and goddesses, pulled by locals through narrow streets, while the crowds cheer and chant.
Historical Significance of Bisket Jatra
The festival has roots that go back hundreds of years and is believed to be tied to both Hindu and indigenous Newar traditions. The main deities worshipped during Bisket Jatra are Bhairab and Bhadra Kali, fierce forms of the gods Shiva and Durga, respectively.
These deities symbolize protection, strength, and the defeat of evil forces. The festival also commemorates the end of the dry season and the beginning of a fruitful new year, with prayers for good harvests and prosperity.
Myths and Legends Behind the Festival
There are several myths associated with Bisket Jatra, the most famous of which tells the story of a cursed princess. According to legend, any man who married her would mysteriously die the morning after their wedding.
One brave prince eventually discovered that two snakes emerged from her nostrils at night, and he killed them, breaking the curse. The death of these snakes is celebrated during the festival, symbolizing the triumph of life over death.
2. When and Where is Bisket Jatra Celebrated?
Bisket Jatra is primarily celebrated in Bhaktapur, but it also takes place in smaller forms in nearby towns such as Thimi and Bode. The main festival coincides with the Nepali New Year (Nepal Sambat) and is celebrated over a span of eight days, starting from the final days of the old year and concluding in the new year.
Key Locations to Experience Bisket Jatra
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of the Bisket Jatra celebrations. The square is where most of the processions and chariot pulling take place.
Taumadhi Square: Another key site in Bhaktapur where the towering chariot of Bhairab is housed. This square is one of the main spots to experience the festival’s energy and rituals.
Thimi: The town of Thimi celebrates Bisket Jatra with vibrant parades and a powderthrowing festival, where locals douse each other in colorful powders.
Bode: Known for its distinct tradition of tonguepiercing, Bode hosts a unique part of Bisket Jatra where a local volunteer undergoes this daring ritual in honor of the gods.
Timing of the Festival
The festival takes place in midApril, just before the start of the Nepali New Year, which is on Baisakh 1 of the Nepali calendar. The dates can vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar, but it typically begins in the last week of the previous year and continues into the first few days of the new year.
3. How to Participate in Bisket Jatra Like a Local
Experiencing Bisket Jatra like a local means fully immersing yourself in the festivities, which are centered around communal participation. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Witness the Chariot Processions
The most iconic part of Bisket Jatra is the chariot pulling. Two enormous wooden chariots, carrying the idols of Bhairab and Bhadra Kali, are pulled through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur by groups of young men.
The event is intense, with locals competing to pull the chariots toward their respective neighborhoods, leading to chaotic but thrilling scenes. As a traveler, you can watch from the sidelines or even join in by helping to pull the chariots if you’re adventurous.
Join the TugofWar
One of the key rituals is a tugofwar that takes place between two sides of the town. This friendly competition is seen as a symbolic struggle between opposing forces, with the side that wins being believed to enjoy prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. Although it’s mostly locals who participate, visitors are welcome to join the crowds and cheer for their side.
Participate in Traditional Newari Feasts
Bisket Jatra is also an occasion for feasting, and the Newar community, which is indigenous to Bhaktapur, prepares special dishes during the festival. Traditional Newari foods like bara (fried lentil patties), chhoila (spicy grilled meat), and sapu mhicha (buffalo leaf tripe stuffed with bone marrow) are popular dishes during the celebrations. Many families invite guests to join them for these feasts, and if you’re lucky enough to get an invitation, it’s a great way to experience the festival like a local.
Embrace the PowderThrowing Festival in Thimi
If you visit the town of Thimi during Bisket Jatra, be prepared to get colorful! Locals engage in a joyful powderthrowing festival, where they throw colored powders at each other, similar to the Holi festival. The streets are filled with music, dancing, and bright hues as the community celebrates together. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun, but make sure to wear old clothes, as the powders can be hard to wash off.
4. The Unique Rituals and Traditions of Bisket Jatra
Bisket Jatra is filled with unique rituals and customs that make it one of the most intriguing festivals in Nepal. Here’s a closer look at some of the key traditions you can witness during the celebration.
Chariot Procession and Tugging
The main event of the festival is the chariot procession. The two large wooden chariots, representing Bhairab and Bhadra Kali, are pulled through the streets by ropes. These chariots are massive structures that are built specifically for the festival each year.
The pulling of the chariots is not just a religious act but also a symbol of the community’s strength and unity. However, it’s also a time of friendly competition, as different neighborhoods try to pull the chariots into their areas, which leads to dramatic and sometimes chaotic tugging scenes.
Erection of the Yosin (Lingam Pole)
Another important ritual is the erection of the Yosin or lingam pole. This tall, wooden pole represents fertility and power. On the first day of the festival, the pole is erected with great ceremony, and on the final day, it is pulled down, marking the end of Bisket Jatra. The raising and lowering of the pole are accompanied by prayers, offerings, and loud cheers from the crowd.
Tongue Piercing in Bode
One of the more unusual rituals associated with Bisket Jatra takes place in the town of Bode, where a volunteer undergoes the daring act of tongue piercing. This ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a good harvest.
The individual’s tongue is pierced with a metal spike, and they then walk through the streets carrying a flaming torch. While it may seem extreme, this ritual is an important part of the festival for the locals, and the person who performs it is highly respected.
Fire and Light Processions
At night, the streets of Bhaktapur are lit up with fire torches and candles as part of the festival’s religious processions. The lighting of these fires is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and the end of the old year, ushering in new light and hope for the coming year.
5. Cultural Etiquette During Bisket Jatra
When participating in Bisket Jatra as a visitor, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. Here are some tips on how to respectfully enjoy the festival:
Dress Modestly
Although Bisket Jatra is a lively and festive occasion, it is still a deeply religious event. Visitors should dress modestly, especially when attending the rituals and processions. Wearing traditional Nepali attire, such as a kurta or daura suruwal, can be a great way to show respect for local customs.
Be Respectful During Rituals
While it’s tempting to take photos or videos of the exciting chariot processions and rituals, always be mindful of the participants and their religious beliefs. Avoid blocking the path of the chariots or interfering with the proceedings, and ask for permission before photographing locals, especially during sacred moments.
Follow the Crowd’s Lead
Bisket Jatra is a festival of community, and many of the activities involve spontaneous participation from the crowd. If you’re unsure of what to do during a particular ritual or event, simply observe the locals and follow their lead. Whether it’s cheering during the chariot procession or offering prayers at the temple, participating as part of the community will enhance your experience.
Offer Small Donations
Many of the temples and shrines are maintained by local families or communities, and during the festival, it is customary to offer small donations as a sign of respect. You can donate a few rupees when visiting temples or witnessing rituals, and in return, you may receive a blessing or a mark of tika (red powder) on your forehead.
6. How to Get to Bhaktapur for Bisket Jatra
Bhaktapur is easily accessible from Kathmandu, and there are several ways to reach the city for the Bisket Jatra festival.
By Public Bus
Local buses run regularly from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Buses leave from Ratna Park Bus Station in Kathmandu and arrive at the Bhaktapur Bus Park, which is a short walk from the main festival areas.
By Taxi
Taxis are a convenient and relatively inexpensive option for getting to Bhaktapur. A oneway taxi ride from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur typically costs between NPR 1000 to 1500. Make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
By Private Vehicle or Tour
If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can hire a private vehicle or join a guided tour to Bhaktapur. Many travel agencies in Kathmandu offer day trips to Bhaktapur for Bisket Jatra, which includes transportation, a guide, and a visit to key festival sites.
10 FAQ Questions and Answers About Bisket Jatra
What is Bisket Jatra?
Bisket Jatra is a traditional festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal, marking the Nepali New Year. It involves chariot processions, religious rituals, and communal celebrations.
When is Bisket Jatra celebrated?
Bisket Jatra is celebrated in midApril, coinciding with the Nepali New Year. The festival lasts for eight days, starting in the last days of the old year and continuing into the new year.
Where can I experience Bisket Jatra?
The best place to experience Bisket Jatra is in Bhaktapur, but nearby towns like Thimi and Bode also host unique celebrations.
Can tourists participate in Bisket Jatra?
Yes, tourists are welcome to participate in the celebrations, including chariot pulling, feasting, and attending the rituals.
What should I wear during Bisket Jatra?
It’s best to wear modest, comfortable clothing. Traditional Nepali attire is a good option, but ensure your outfit allows for walking and potentially getting dirty, especially if you join the chariot pulling.
What is the significance of the chariot pulling?
The chariot pulling is a symbolic event representing the movement of the gods and the community’s unity. It also involves friendly competition between different neighborhoods.
What is the Yosin pole, and why is it important?
The Yosin pole, or lingam pole, represents fertility and power. Its erection and eventual pulling down mark key moments of the festival.
Is the tonguepiercing ritual in Bode dangerous?
While it may seem extreme, the tonguepiercing ritual is performed under the guidance of experts and is considered a safe and important tradition for the locals.
Is Bisket Jatra familyfriendly?
Yes, Bisket Jatra is a familyfriendly festival. Many of the activities, such as feasting and watching the processions, are enjoyed by people of all ages.
How can I respect local customs during the festival?
To respect local customs, dress modestly, follow the lead of locals during rituals, offer small donations at temples, and be mindful when taking photos.
Experiencing Bisket Jatra like a local is an adventure that allows travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Bhaktapur. Whether you’re pulling chariots, dancing in the streets, or enjoying the local cuisine, Bisket Jatra offers a unique glimpse into the cultural heart of Nepal. By participating respectfully and with an open heart, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich heritage.