Biska Jatra also known as Bisket Jatra refers to an annual
festival celebrated in April at Bhaktapur, Thimi and
their environs The name Biska encompasses festivals celebrated around the same
time in Bhaktapur, Thimi, Bode, Nagadesh, Dhapasi, Tokha, Dhulikhel, Katunje, Gundu and Sanga all of which were once part of the Kingdom
of Bhaktapur. Biska originated as festival celebrating the Solar New Year in Bhaktapur by exhibiting a long banner tied in a long wooden
pole. During the Malla dynasty,
the festival spread to other parts of the kingdom and many new traditions were added, including
the chariot festival of Bhairava and his consort Bhadrakali in Bhaktapur,
the sindoor throwing festival in Thimi, both of which constitute the most iconic part of the
festival today. Each city has its own unique way of celebrating the
festival.
The signature event on Bhaktapur
Taumadhi kicks off the Biska jatra "dya koha bijyaigu" which means
the god Bhairava is brought outside from its temple for the festival, it is a
tug-of-war between the Thane (upper) and Kone (lower) part of town. The chariot
is pulled from both sides and whoever wins that part of town gets to take the
chance of the chariot to their place while the other sides wait for their turn.
The chariot is at last pulled down to gahiti where the chariot
is kept for two days and again pulled down to Lyasinkhel on the eve of Nepali
new year.
An approximately 25 meter Yoh
si Dyo is erected in the yosi khyo. The chariot is then
pulled on the Lyasinkhel and kept till the next day. The Yoh si is
pulled down on the eve of New Year. Then again the chariot is pulled to gahiti
and on the last day which is also called " dya thaha bijyaigu" which
means god Bhairava is again brought to temple,all the people are, the chariot
is again pulled on both sides and finally settled to the premises of 5 storied
temple.
Several places in Madhyapur Thimi
(Thimi, Nagadesh and Bode) also celebrate Biska Jatra. Folks from various parts
of Madhyapur Thimi gather, carrying their own chariots in Layeku
Thimi. People celebrate and share greetings, throwing simrik color
powder and playing Dhimay music.
Bode witnesses a
tongue-piercing ceremony. One resident spends the whole day with an iron spike
piercing his tongue and roams the city by carrying multiple fiery torches on
his shoulder. Juju Bhai Shrestha is the most renowned tongue piercer town
