Biska Jatra: Exploring the Colorful Festival and Traditions of Bhaktapur

 

Biska Jatra, also known as Bisket Jatra, is a vibrant and lively festival celebrated in the ancient city of Bhaktapur in Nepal. Spanning over several days, Biska Jatra is a significant cultural event that attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike. The festival takes place during the Nepali New Year, which falls in the month of April, and is marked by a series of unique rituals, religious ceremonies, and traditional performances.

The origins of Biska Jatra can be traced back to ancient times, and the festival holds great historical and cultural significance for the people of Bhaktapur. According to legend, Biska Jatra commemorates the defeat of a giant serpent that had terrorized the city. The festival is believed to have originated during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, a powerful ruler of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Bhaktapur in the 17th century. It is said that the king organized a grand chariot procession to celebrate the victory over the serpent, and the tradition has been carried on by the people of Bhaktapur ever since.

 

The highlight of Biska Jatra is the erection of two large wooden chariots, known as "Bisket Kha," that are beautifully crafted and decorated with colorful cloth, paper flags, and intricate carvings. These chariots are dedicated to the Hindu deities Bhairava and Bhadrakali, who are considered to be the protectors of the city. The chariots are placed in different parts of Bhaktapur, and the festivities kick off with the pulling of the chariots by enthusiastic crowds of people, amidst loud cheers, drum beats, and chants.

 

The chariot pulling is a highly anticipated event during Biska Jatra and is seen as a symbol of good luck for the coming year. The chariots are pulled through narrow streets and squares of Bhaktapur by teams of men, women, and children, who compete with each other to get the honor of pulling the chariots. The chariot pulling is not just a physical task, but also a spiritual one, as the participants believe that it brings blessings and prosperity to their families and the community.

 

Apart from the chariot pulling, Biska Jatra also features a range of other festivities and cultural activities. One of the highlights is the "Yosin Thaa" or "tug-of-war," a thrilling competition between the eastern and western parts of Bhaktapur. The competition involves pulling a long rope from opposite ends, and the winning side is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. The tug-of-war is fiercely contested, and participants put in all their strength and determination to win, amidst cheers from the enthusiastic spectators.

 

Another important aspect of Biska Jatra is the traditional music and dance performances that take place during the festival. Various cultural troupes, musicians, and dancers from Bhaktapur and surrounding areas showcase their talents through traditional dances, such as Lakhe dance, Devi dance, and Pulukisi dance, accompanied by traditional musical instruments like drums, cymbals, flutes, and trumpets. The colorful costumes, intricate movements, and energetic performances add to the festive atmosphere of Biska Jatra, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for the audience.

 

Religious ceremonies are also an integral part of Biska Jatra. The festival is marked by several rituals and processions that are performed to invoke the blessings of the deities for the well-being of the community. One such ritual is the "Bisket Naach," a masked dance performed by individuals dressed as different deities, including Bhairava, Bhadrakali, Ganesh, and Kumar. The performers dance and enact various mythological stories, showcasing the rich cultural heritage.

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