Bissket Jatra
Commonly known as Biska Jatra is an annual event in Bhaktapur, Dhapasi Thimi and Tokha and other places in Nepal. The festival is celebrated at the start of the new year on the Bikram Sambat calendar, however, the festival itself is not related to Bikram Sambat.
This is a major Jatra in Nepal. A particularly lively place to spend the day is Bhaktapur, where the Bisket Jatra festival takes place. A huge chariot carrying the god Bhairab is pulled through the streets, ending with a chariot battle at Bhaktapur’s Khalna Tole.
On this day, children (including adult children!) offer sweets, fruits and gifts to their mothers to show their respect and gratitude. Those whose mothers have passed away visit Mata Tirtha in the west of Kathmandu, take a holy bath and make offerings in their mother’s memory.
The Jatra begins four days before the start of new year. It is believed that the festival started during Malla dynasty. There are many legends associated with the Jatra. According to a myth who soever marries local princes dies on the very first night of the marriage.
Later a brave young man married the princes. In the night two snakes attacked him and young man killed them.The main attraction of Bisket Jatra is chariot procession of Lord Bhairavanath.
The three-story chariot is taken out in the streets of Bhakatapur and there is a tug of war between people from upper and lower city to pull the chariot on their side.
Thousands of visitors from various parts of Nepal and a large number of foreign tourists gather at Bhaktapur to see this thrilling event. On the eve of Nepali new year a huge linga ( a pole) is erected and two long pieces of cloth hanged upon it to represent the dead snakes.
Next day the pole is pulled down and Nepali new year officially commences. A number of festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year but people eagerly waits for Bisket Jatra.
Duration of the Bisket Jatra
This is a nine-day long festival that is celebrated by the indigenous Newar community of Bhaktapur. It is located 13 km east of Kathmandu. It has been gaining enormous popularity and enthusiasm in recent times.
The dates for this festival change on the Gregorian calendar as it follows the lunar calendar, which depends on astrological positions. This festival always takes place during the end and the beginning of the new year of the Nepalese calendar. The Festival begins five days before the last day of the lunar year and goes on until the fourth day of the new year.
Thousands upon thousands of people from all walks of life and religions venture into the Bhaktapur Durbar Square to witness this festival. There is yet another myth that says, anyone who visits the deities and chariots will lead remain prosperous and happy for the rest of their lives. This festival is also celebrated to acknowledge gratitude towards The Hindu God of wrath- Bhairav. Prayers and food are offered to the chariot of the Hindu God Bhairav with the hope that their sufferings and problems are kept at bay throughout the future.
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