Discover Nepal guide

Bisket Jatra

Learn about Bisket Jatra through verified cultural context, key facts, regions, traditions and references.

Communities

Newar community of Bhaktapur (and Bode)

Regions

Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Valley

Calendar

Nepali New Year — first day of Baisakh (BS)

Season

Mid-April

Rituals

Two giant chariots of Bhairab and Bhadrakali are dragged between upper and lower town; the raising and felling of a tall ceremonial pole marks the new year's exact turn. At nearby Bode, the tongue-piercing rite of the Siddhi Jatra takes place.

Significance

The Newar New Year chariot battle — Bhaktapur's defining civic ritual, unchanged in its essentials for centuries.