KATHMANDU, April 14: The local residents of Madhyapur Thimi joyously celebrated the Bisket Jatra by adorning themselves with sindoor, a traditional orange-red vermilion.
This vibrant festival involves carrying idols of various deities through the villages of Madhyapur Thimi while playing with vermilion. Traditionally, this Jatra featured 32 chariots, but now it comprises 23 chariots in Thimi, one in Nagadesh, seven in Bode, and one in Tigani. A delightful custom during the event is the scattering of vermilion from windows and rooftops of houses, accompanied by showering of flowers as the chariots reach chowks and intersections.
In Pictures: Sindoor Jatra observed in Thimi
This Jatra involves smearing vermilion powder on each other's faces as the procession, with the permission of the Naike Pradhan (chief or leader), commences from Balkumati to Digutole.
Here are some photos of the Jatra taken by Republica Photojournalist Dipesh Darshanadhikari: