Bhaktapur's famous Bisket Jatra starts from today, all preparations over

Published On: April 9, 2024 10:45 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 9: The world-famous Bisket Jatra, which is celebrated in Bhaktapur for nine days and eight nights according to traditional rituals, is starting from today.

This Jatra begins four days before the new year by pulling the chariot of Bhairav and mainly in the middle of Nepali month of Chaitra, the lingo (long pole) adorned with the rainbow flag is erected on Baisakh 1. The lingo jatra is celebrated all day in Lysinkhel and the lingo is lowered down in the evening.

Khima Oli, head of Guthi Sansthan Bhaktapur, said that all necessary preparations for the Jatra, including the construction of the chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali, have been completed.

Oli said that the plan is to start pulling Bhairav's chariot from 3 pm after the official puja is completed by 11 am and the public puja by 3 pm. Preparations are made to pull the chariot from 3 pm and finish at 5 pm. Guthi Sansthan Bhaktapur has managed the entire expenses of the Rath Yatra.

Bisket Jatra, which started from Lichchavi period, has a tradition of starting four days before Baisakh 1 with a chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali.

According to the tantric rituals, the 35-feet high three-storied wooden Bhairavnath's chariot, which is built in the style of a pagoda, has the tradition of pulling the chariot from the five-storied temple courtyard to the upper and lower areas, with the original deity of Bhairavnath seated atop of Betal deity.

Bisket Jatra is started by bringing ‘Khadga’ from Hanuman Dhoka on Chaitra, making an employee of Guthi a symbol of the king and offering worship to the tree in the Changra Ganesha temple forest, accompanied by traditional musical performances.

During the pulling of the chariots, stone pelting and clashes occur among the people, so the security arrangements have been tightened to ensure a peaceful completion of the procession. In order to make the Jatra dignified, the sale and distribution of alcohol has also been banned.

Prior to the Jatra's commencement, Bhaktapur Municipality has organized a peace rally from Dattatray Temple to Nyatapol in the morning, fostering an atmosphere of unity and harmony.