collection
Kathmandu Valley Festival CalendarTwelve festivals that own the valley's streets, in calendar order — chariots, lamps, colors, and processions, with confirmed dates for the coming year.
12 stops
Editorial · reetu.fyifestivals · culture
FestivalBhaktapur
Bisket Jatra
Bhaktapur's thunderous New Year chariot tug-of-war — the valley's most visceral jatra, each April.
About this place
FestivalBhaktapur
Summary
Bisket Jatra marks the Nepali New Year (Nava Varsha, April 14) with Bhaktapur's most dramatic festival: two enormous chariots for Bhairab and Bhadrakali are hauled through Taumadhi Square by opposing teams of tug-of-war pullers, the chariots careening dangerously down the lane. The week includes the tongue-piercing ceremony at Bode, where a villager has his tongue pierced with an iron spike — a tradition unbroken for centuries.
Skip if
Skip if moving multi-ton chariots through crushing crowds sounds hazardous rather than thrilling — stand well back or watch from upper windows.
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