Renowned Biska Jatra Begins Today in Bhaktapur
The famous Biska Jatra in Bhaktapur commences today. This festival holds significant cultural and historical importance in Bhaktapur and is believed to have originated during the Licchavi era. The Biska Jatra spans nine days and eight nights, prompting strict security measures.
Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra – The celebrated Biska Jatra, observed over nine days and eight nights, begins today in Bhaktapur. The festival starts with the chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali four days before Nepali New Year, Bikram Sambat 1st of Vaisakh, and concludes on Vaisakh 5th. Historically and culturally vital, the Biska Jatra has been celebrated since the Licchavi period.
The festivities begin at Taumadhi square in front of the five-story temple with the chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali, followed by various events throughout the nine days. On the first day, from the courtyard of the five-tiered temple, residents of Quane and Thane pull the chariot of Bhailakh using five ropes at the front and four at the back towards their respective neighborhoods. The main highlight is the tug-of-war competition involving Bhailakh. The tugging route extends towards Tamari, Buluncha, Ghatkha, Nasamna, Mulakhu, Banshgopal, and Tekhaphukhu from the Quane side, and towards Quachen, Sakotha, Sukuldhoka, Gomari, Inacho, and Dattatraya from the Thane side.
The second day of the festival is observed as a day of rest. On the third day, at Gahiti, a buffalo sacrifice is offered to Bhairavnath, followed by a government-led ritual organized by the Guthi Institution. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to residents of Lakulache, locally called ‘Syahkwahtyahkwah,’ as prasadam. On the fourth day, in the morning at Kumale Tole in Talakwo, a handless lingam called Lhamaru Mh Yasindyo is erected, and in the evening, a tantric ritual called Dashakarma is performed to erect a 55-hand-long lingam at Bhelukhel, Lysingkhel. The tradition of erecting Yasindyo forms another major attraction of Biska Jatra.
On the night of Yasindyo’s erection, the Navadurga deities gather and a special Dumaju worship is conducted at Taleju Temple. Following the installation of Yasindyo, the local Barahi Devi’s Timpwa Jatra and Indrayani Devi’s Twariba Jatra are celebrated. On the fifth day, which coincides with New Year’s Day, Vaisakh 1st, devotees flock to Chupingghat and Lysingkhel from early morning. Traditional musical instruments are played across neighborhoods, and people wear customary attire to offer worship and visit Bhairav, Bhadrakali, Betal, and Yasindyo.
The sixth day celebrates the chariot festivals of Mahakali and Mahalaxmi. The seventh day features the Brahmayani and Maheshwari Jatras at Tachpal. On the same day, Batukbhairav and Jatha Ganesh Sindur Jatra occur at Talakwo, while the Pardeshi Bhimsen’s Khat Jatra is held in Khal. On the eighth day, the powerful deities of Bhaktapur are brought out from their shrines and placed in courtyards, halls, and resting places where they are worshipped with various offerings, known as Dyo Swang Puja (Saguna Jatra).
The final day of the festival includes the dismantling of the Lhamaru Mh Yasindyo at Kumale Tole in Talakwo in the morning, concluding the Biska Jatra celebrations.