Introduction
Every year, Bhaktapur and Thimi host Bisket Jatra, a cultural festival that showcases Nepal’s vibrant and diverse heritage. AntHolidays focuses on adventure tours to Nepal, and we offer amazing experiences for both local and foreign travelers who want to explore Nepal’s culture and nature. Our team is committed to making your Bisket Jatra 2023 trip memorable, no matter when you decide to visit.
Bisket Jatra History
Bisket Jatra is an ancient cultural festival that dates back to the Malla dynasty in the 14th century. The festival takes place over a period of nine days and is celebrated in Bhaktapur and Thimi, two ancient cities in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley.
The festival is very fun and exciting for people who live there and for people who visit. The festival has big carts and platforms that people carry around, music and dancing, and people throw sindur and other things. The festival lets people see and join the culture of Nepal.
The festival is celebrated over several days, with each day having its unique significance:
- Day 1: Tug of War between the western and eastern sides of Bhaktapur to steer Bhairav's chariot in their direction.
- Day 2 and 3: People visit the chariot to perform special prayers to Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Shiva who protects his devotees.
- Day 4: A 25-meter-high wooden pole is raised, and people pull ropes from the lingo. Chariots move to different locations.
- Day 5: On the first day of the new year, people gather at the chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali to pray, and a pole is raised to the ground for good luck.
- Day 6: Festivities move to Thimi and Bode, where Sindoor Jatra is celebrated with throwing orange vermillion powder on each other.
- Day 7 and 8: People continue to visit the chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali for prayers. The sagun ceremony takes place on the eighth day.
- Day 9: The final tug of war for the chariot of Bhairav, which is dismantled until the next year after the festival ends.
Bisket Jatra Traditions
Bisket Jatra is a festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal, and is known for its unique customs and traditions. Two of the most important practices during the festival are the "jibro chedne jatra" and the "sindoor jatra."
Jibro Chedne Jatra
The "jibro chedne jatra" is a ritual where a volunteer from the Shrestha clan has his tongue pierced with an iron spike. He then parades through the streets of Bhaktapur with a bamboo rack. This practice is believed to honor the god Bhairav, who is known for his fierce and protective nature.
Sindoor Jatra
The "sindoor jatra" is a vibrant parade held in the towns of Thimi and Bode, where participants throw orange vermillion powder known as "sindur" at each other while carrying 32 small chariots decorated with images of various deities around the town. People sing and dance along with the walk, making it fun and happy.
These customs provide a window into Nepal's rich and colorful culture, where religion and tradition play an important role in people's lives. Biska Jatra is a celebration of community, spirituality, and the rich history of the country.
Bisket Jatra in Nepali New Year 2080 with Ant Holidays
Bisket Jatra is a traditional festival in Nepal that attracts many tourists from all over the world. AntHolidays is a travel agency that can provide foreign tourists with a complete and easy vacation experience during Bisket Jatra 2023, which falls on Nepali New Year 2080.
One of the unique features of AntHolidays' Bisket Jatra tour is the presence of recognized guides who are familiar with the festival's traditions and can provide insider access to the jatra. These guides can help tourists navigate through the crowds and understand the significance of the different rituals and practices.
Also, AntHolidays can also provide essential services such as travel insurance and vehicle rental to ensure a hassle-free vacation experience. With travel insurance, tourists can have peace of mind knowing that they are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Vehicle rental can also be arranged for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas and attractions at their own pace.
Overall, AntHolidays' Bisket Jatra tour can provide foreign tourists with a unique and immersive cultural experience while also ensuring their comfort and safety throughout their trip.
Conclusion
The Bisket Jatra festival in Nepal is a vibrant and unique cultural event that is a must-see for travelers looking to experience the local culture. AntHolidays can provide an easy and comprehensive vacation experience for those interested in attending the festival. With recognized guides and insider access to the jatra, travelers can fully immerse themselves in the festivities and gain a deeper understanding of Nepalese culture. AntHolidays also offers services like hotel bookings for comfortable and convenient accommodation during the festival.
Traveling to experience different cultures is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives. Attending the Bisket Jatra festival in Nepal with AntHolidays is an opportunity to do just that. So why not book your trip today and experience the rich and colorful traditions of Nepal?