BHAKTAPUR, April 15: The locals of Bhaktapur celebrated annual Sindoor Jatra or the festival of vermilion. The festival is celebrated to welcome the spring.

On the third day of the 10-day Bisket Jatra, male representatives from various quarters of Thimi and from the surrounding villages in Bhaktapur bring out a procession of 32 palanquins called khats with images of different gods.

As the 32 khats come together, sindoor (vermillion powder) is hurled at them and the ceremony reaches fever pitch as the khat bearing Ganesha arrives from the village of Nagadish. Crowds parade up and down the streets until late morning when Ganesha, borne by hundreds of men, makes a break for home, pursued by other khats.

If the latter can catch Ganesha, the activities are prolonged, but eventually, Ganesha departs and the festival moves on to Taleju Temple. Later, in the day, crowds swarm to Bode to witness the tongue-boring festival. 

The participants throw vermillion powder to each other and play various traditional music and dance. They carry chariot of various deities around town while playing colors during the festival.

(Photo: Dipesh Shrestha/Republica)

 
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