Bisket Jatra – Bhaktapur’s Chariot Festival of Power and Myth

Bisket Jatra – Bhaktapur’s Chariot Festival of Power and Myth

In the ancient city of Bhaktapur, every Nepali New Year begins not with a quiet prayer but with roaring drums, crashing chariots, and legends that stir the soul. Welcome to Bisket Jatra — one of Nepal’s most exhilarating and visually stunning festivals. यो पर्वले साहस, परम्परा र सामाजिक एकताको अद्भुत संगम देखाउँछ।

📅 When and Where is Bisket Jatra Celebrated?

Bisket Jatra is celebrated annually during the first week of the Nepali New Year (Baisakh), usually in mid-April. It takes place in Bhaktapur, the city of devotees, and some parts of Thimi and Tokha.

The festival spans over nine days and marks the victory of good over evil, the arrival of the new year, and ancient legends tied to gods, demons, and royalty.

🛕 The Myth Behind Bisket Jatra

The most popular legend behind Bisket Jatra tells of a princess whose husbands mysteriously died on the wedding night. Eventually, a brave young man discovers two serpents emerge from her nose while she sleeps. He kills them and breaks the curse. To commemorate this tale, Bisket Jatra features the symbolic slaying of snakes and victory over darkness.

Thus, the festival is sometimes called the "festival after the death of serpents." यो पौराणिक कथा शक्ति र बुद्धिमत्ताको प्रतीक हो।

🛺 Chariot Pulling – The Main Attraction

The heart of Bisket Jatra lies in the Rath Yatra — the chariot pulling of Lord Bhairab (the fierce manifestation of Shiva) and Goddess Bhadrakali. Two massive wooden chariots are constructed in Taumadhi Square using traditional methods and sacred rituals.

On the main day, thousands gather as locals from the upper and lower halves of Bhaktapur engage in a tug-of-war with ropes attached to Bhairab’s chariot. The energy is unmatched — pushing, pulling, shouting, and sometimes even fighting to pull the deity toward their neighborhood.

Though intense, it symbolizes the balance of power and protection. भैरवको रथ तान्नु मात्र खेल हैन, यो साहस र विश्वासको युद्ध हो।

📍 Key Locations in Bhaktapur

• Taumadhi Square: The starting point of the chariot procession, where Nyatapola Temple towers above.
• Gahiti & Khalna Tole: Chariot-pulling battlegrounds, filled with screaming, cheering crowds.
• Lyasinkhel: Where the chariots rest, and the festivities continue for days.

Every corner of Bhaktapur is alive with lights, rituals, music, and celebration during this time.

🔥 Ceremonies and Symbolism

Alongside the chariot pull, several rituals are performed:

• Linga Jatra: A massive pole (linga) is erected at Yosinkhel, symbolizing fertility and power. It is brought down on the new year’s day — a visually thrilling moment.
• Snake effigy burning: Represents the destruction of evil and begins the new year with cleansing energy.
• Animal offerings: Goats, chickens, and buffalo are sacrificed in some places as a tradition to appease the gods.

These traditions reflect centuries-old beliefs about divine protection and the changing of seasons.

🎨 Local Participation and Community Spirit

Every family in Bhaktapur plays a role in Bisket Jatra. Youth help build the chariots, elders lead rituals, women prepare special food, and children dance to traditional tunes.

Shops close. Schools remain off. Entire communities come together — no matter the caste, gender, or class. यो पर्व सामाजिक समरसताको अद्वितीय नमुना हो।

🎉 Festivities in Thimi and Beyond

In Thimi, the festival is marked with a color powder festival known as “Sindur Jatra.” Devotees throw red powder and carry deities on their shoulders while dancing in narrow alleys. It’s an explosion of color and joy — similar in vibe to Holi but deeply rooted in local traditions.

In Tokha, a different version of Bisket Jatra takes place with processions and rituals specific to that region’s deities.

📸 Bisket Jatra Today – A Global Attraction

With social media and tourism, Bisket Jatra has become a global spectacle. Photographers and culture enthusiasts from around the world gather to witness its chaos and charisma. Documentaries have been made; photos go viral; and Bhaktapur glows on the world map.

Despite modernization, the core spirit of Bisket Jatra remains unchanged — fierce, fearless, and full of faith.

🔚 Conclusion

Bisket Jatra is more than just a festival. It’s a living legend, a raw burst of emotion, and a reflection of Nepal’s power to blend faith and celebration. From the thunder of chariot wheels to the legends whispered through generations, यो जात्रा नेपाली संस्कृति र समुदायको गर्व हो।

To experience Nepal's soul, be in Bhaktapur during Bisket Jatra — where myths come alive, gods ride chariots, and the streets speak in rhythm and roar.