The chariot of Bisket Jatra ready in between the mass

Bhaktapur's historical and cultural significance Biska Jatra, which is celebrated for eight nights and nine days, has started from this morning. People have been flocking to worship the deity Bhairava at Taumarhi since morning. The chariot procession of the Bhairav begins after the worship to Bhairav is finished.  

The participation and devotion of Newars for Bisket-Jatra performed in Bhaktapur

Khima Wali, head of the Guthi Institute office, informed that the Jatra was opened for the general public from 5 o'clock in the morning by opening the puja on Bhairav's chariot. He said, 'After the puja, the chariot of Bhairav will be pulled, this year the goal is to pull the chariot to Gahiti soon.'

The idols of Bhairav and Betal are installed in the chariot along with the sword and flag brought from Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu. This officially started the chariot procession. The festival is observed in a grand way with the celebrations of various rituals including the Sindur Jatra and the tongue-piercing ceremony.  

Police Range Bhaktapur's Superintendent of Police Prajit KC said around 700 security personnel have been mobilised for the festival. In previous years, it was a custom to pull the chariot up and down from Toumadhi till late at night, starting after 5 pm. This year, the chariot of Bhairavnath is ready to reach Gahiti by 5 pm and complete the first day of Jatra.

After the completion of today's jatra, there will be a jatra on Chaitra 31st at Lysinkhel where all the procedures including guthi pooja will be completed and the lingo will be lifted at 5 pm.

Khima Wali, head of the Guthi Institute office said that preparations have been made to bring down the lingo by 5 pm on the 1st of Baisakh and complete the Jatra by 5 pm on the 5th of Baisakh.