Far-out Festival – Bisket Jatra
Nepal is renowned for its many colorful festivals and none is more exciting than Bisket Jatra – the Chariot Festival – which is observed in Bhaktapur over eight days in April, and heralds the start of the Nepali New Year. In one of the most amazing annual events in the Kathmandu valley, a huge chariot carrying images of the god Bhairab is hauled around the town by hundreds of villagers, and pausing in Taumadhi Square for a huge tug of war between the eastern and western sides of town. After the battle the chariot’s head is taken to Khalna Tole, where a huge 25m-high lingam (phallic symbol) is erected in the stone yoni (female genital symbol) base, after which young men attempt to climb the towering pole to take away the flowers tied at the top (you get the idea…). Throughout the week the Bhaktapur residents celebrate the festival with other exuberant displays of religious devotion. The staff of ITrekNepal, whose families have resided in Bhaktapur for generations, can help you experience this remarkable festival as no one else can. Consider booking your trip to Nepal to coincide with Bisket Jatra.
Bisket Jatra takes place from April 9 -16 this year.
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