Biska Jatra is a chariot parade festival primarily celebrated in Bhaktapur to mark the coming of spring. The festival is observed for eight nights and nine days.
On the first few days of Biska Jatra, the deities Bhairav and Bhadrakali are worshiped in their respective chariots amid various special tantric rituals. On the fourth day, and also the last day of the year (Nepali New Year), two lingos (poles) are erected in two different areas of Bhaktapur and thousands of people gather to witness this unique celebration. On the fifth and sixth days, animal sacrifices are made and tongue piercing is also observed. During the last few days, people wear traditional dresses and roam the whole city in a chariot procession, playing various traditional musical instruments to mark the end of this festival.
Photo Credit: Sushovan Aryal
