Although Dashain for Hindus is from Ghatasthapana to Purnima, the people of Khokana celebrate it from Ghatasthapana to Saptami, and call it ‘Sikali jatra’.[break]
Celebrating Sikali Jatra (festival) as the Dashain, they had undertaken clean ups and maintenance of the roads, earlier.
As this year was the 12-year Sikali Jatra, the Dashain was celebrate in a special way, said a local Krishna Sharan Dangol.
In the Jatra, Rudrayani Devi (Sikali) and other gods are worshipped, and a goddess-dance is held based on Swosthani Brata.
Although the Dashain begins from Ghatasthapana, the Sikali festival is celebrated more enthusiastically from Panchami day.
The Jatra is celebrated since Nepal Sambat 336, and this goddess dance is more dramatic than other goddess-dances in the Kathmandu valley.
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