Bisket Jatra commences in Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, April 9: The historic Lichchavi era Bisket Jatra which bears a tantric significance started in the Bhaktapur city today.

Priest Ganesh Karmacharya offered prayers to Bhairavnath deity following which the deity was worshipped in all streets of the ancient city until 8 am. The Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali deities will be placed in their respective chariots in the afternoon following different phases of worship and offerings, after which the chariots will be towed by devotees.

The Bisket Jatra which starts four days before the onset of Nepali New Year and lasts for five more days afterwards is celebrated by the locals of Bhaktapur for eight nights. The first day will see the chariot of Bhairavnath being pulled by devotees which continues in the coming days.

The police administration has tightened the security for the festival. A total of 2,000 security personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) including those in plain clothes will beef up the security, according to Superintendent of Police, Kiran Bajracharya.

The intersections within the city have been fitted with CCTVs to watch anyone involving in untoward activities.
The Newar community has been celebrating the festival in which Bisket means ‘Snake is killed’.

The chariot’s pathway has been punctuated by old houses standing with the support of poles following damages in the massive earthquake of April 25, 2015 – due to which the chariot pulling route has been shortened.

Guthi Sansthan Bhaktapur Chief, Leknath Sapkota, said a total of Rs 2.6 million is likely to be spent for the festival.
The famous Lingo (wooden pole) with the God Indra’s flag fluttering at the top end will be erected on April 12 and felled next day. It is believed that witnessing the Jatra, which is also called ‘Satruhanta Jatra’, will rid one of enemies. RSS