Biska Jatra, also known as Bisket Jatra, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Bhaktapur, a city located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is a nine-day long festival that takes place during the Nepali New Year (mid-April) and is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm by the locals. The origin of the Biska Jatra festival dates back to the medieval era when Bhaktapur was ruled by the Malla Kings. Legend has it that a serpent was wreaking havoc in the city and killing its inhabitants. The king of Bhaktapur, in order to appease the serpent, offered a young virgin girl as a sacrifice. However, a young man named Siddhi Narsingh, disguised as a girl, volunteered to be sacrificed instead. He killed the serpent and saved the city from its wrath. The Biska Jatra festival is said to be a celebration of this event.
The festival begins with the raising of a tall wooden pole called “lingo” in the city’s main square, Taumadhi Square. This pole is decorated with colorful flags, flowers, and small statues. It is believed that the pole represents the serpent that was killed by Siddhi Narsingh. The raising of the pole is accompanied by the playing of traditional music, dancing, and singing. The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession, where two large chariots, one carrying the image of the god Bhairava and the other carrying the goddess Bhadrakali, are pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by devotees. The chariots are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations and are accompanied by music, dancing, and singing. The chariot procession is a highly anticipated event, and thousands of people gather to watch it every year.
Another important aspect of the Biska Jatra festival is the playing of the “yohshin” game. This is a tug-of-war game played between two teams, one from the upper part of the city and the other from the lower part of the city. The game is played using a long rope that is tied to the lingo pole. The winning team is believed to have good luck for the coming year. Throughout the festival, various other cultural and religious events take place in different parts of Bhaktapur. These include processions, mask dances, street plays, and various other performances.
How is Biska Jatra Celebrated?
Biska Jatra, also known as Bisket Jatra, is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm in Bhaktapur, a city located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The festival is a nine-day-long celebration that takes place during the Nepali New Year (mid-April). Here are some of the ways in which the festival is celebrated:
- Raising of the Lingo Pole: The festival begins with the raising of a tall wooden pole called the “lingo” in the city’s main square, Taumadhi Square. The lingo pole is decorated with colorful flags, flowers, and small statues. It is believed that the pole represents the serpent that was killed by Siddhi Narsingh, and the raising of the pole symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- Chariot Procession: The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession, where two large chariots, one carrying the image of the god Bhairava and the other carrying the goddess Bhadrakali, are pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by devotees. The chariots are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations and are accompanied by music, dancing, and singing.
- Playing of Yohshin Game: Another important aspect of the Biska Jatra festival is the playing of the “yohshin” game. This is a tug-of-war game played between two teams, one from the upper part of the city and the other from the lower part of the city. The game is played using a long rope that is tied to the lingo pole. The winning team is believed to have good luck for the coming year.
- Masked Dances and Street Plays: Throughout the festival, various cultural and religious events take place in different parts of Bhaktapur. These include processions, mask dances, street plays, and various other performances. One of the most popular performances is the “Bhairava dance,” where dancers wear masks and perform a traditional dance in honor of the god Bhairava.
- Offering of Puja: The festival is also a time for people to offer prayers and puja (worship) to their gods and goddesses. People visit various temples and shrines in and around Bhaktapur to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Overall, the Biska Jatra festival is a time for the people of Bhaktapur to come together, celebrate their traditions and customs, and honor their gods and goddesses. The festival is a must-see for anyone visiting Nepal during the Nepali New Year.
Things to consider before visiting Biska Jatra
If you are planning to visit Bhaktapur to witness the Biska Jatra festival, here are some things to consider:
Accommodation: Bhaktapur can get very crowded during the festival, so it is important to book your accommodation in advance. You can find a variety of options, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays.
Clothing: Bhaktapur is a conservative city, and it is important to dress modestly while visiting. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be walking around a lot during the festival.
Respect Local Customs: During the festival, there may be certain customs and traditions that you are not familiar with. It is important to respect these customs and be mindful of the local culture.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Biska Jatra is a very popular festival, and thousands of people visit Bhaktapur to witness it. Be prepared for large crowds, especially during the chariot procession and other major events.
Stay Safe: While Bhaktapur is generally a safe city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself safe. Keep your valuables close to you, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone at night.
Respect the Environment: During the festival, the city can get quite messy, with litter and debris left behind. It is important to respect the environment and dispose of your trash properly.
Overall, visiting Bhaktapur during the Biska Jatra festival can be an exciting and memorable experience. By considering these tips, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.