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Biska Jatra is one of the prominent festivals of Nepal, celebrated by the Newar community, particularly in the city of Bhaktapur. The annual festival is known as the “festival after the serpent’s death.” As the festival is held during mid-April, it welcomes Spring/ Basanta. Locals of Bhaktapur district from various parts celebrate this festival for eight nights and nine days; thus, it is also known as the “eight-night and nine-day Jatra,” translated as Chyacha Gunhuya Jatra. Areas of Madhyapur Thimi, Bode, and Tokha celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm.
The festival is also known as Bisket Jatra and Vishwodhoj Jatra. It also has another name, “Bisya Jatra,” where “Bi” indicates a giant snake and “sya” means to kill, referring to the celebration of killing a giant snake. The key highlights of the Jatra are the wooden pole, yoh si dyo (lingos), and three-story pagoda-style chariot (raths) of Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali. Likewise, the tug-of-war between the Thane and Kone communities and a tongue-piercing ceremony are other significant attractions of the festival.
Story of Biska Jatra Festival
The festival dates back to the Licchavi period when King Jagat Jyoti Malla ruled Bhaktapur. Yet, numerous legends, myths, and stories are related to the Biska Jatra. However, the myth is associated with a princess and a prince with tantric powers. Per the legend, the king of Bhaktapur had an only daughter and declared that whoever married his daughter would be the next ruler of Bhaktapur. But the princess was cursed as her husband died the following marriage day. It was a mysterious death, and whoever married her would be found dead the following day.
One day, a prince with tantric power came with a dare to marry the beautiful princess. He was aware of the princess’s curse as Goddess Bhadrakali, in the disguise of an older woman, suggested him to marry her. The woman told the prince about a mysterious sword hidden by the river bank and advised him to stay awake the night after the wedding with the sword in hand. He did as he was told and stayed awake while the princess slept after their wedding.
Consequently, he found something suspicious about the princess, with two serpents coming out of her nostrils. Immediately, the prince cut those serpents with his sword. Afterward, the princess’s cursed cure and the festival of Biske begin to be celebrated annually after that day to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Sindoor Jatra
Sindoor Jatra is also a part of Biske Jatra but is mainly celebrated by the Newari community of Balkumari Thimi. At the festival, people from various parts gather in Layeku Thimi, carrying 32 chariots with the idols of several gods and goddesses. The Jatra is a time for joy, unity, and respect for the culture and tradition. People celebrate the festival by throwing Sindoor (orange vermillion powder) into the air and at each other, symbolizing energy and good fortune.
Traditional Newari music is an essential aspect of Sindur Jatra. Newari individual plays traditional instruments like drums and cymbals, providing a rhythm for dancers. The traditional music adds energy and excitement to the Jatra.
Tongue-piercing Festival
One of the significant features of Biske Jatra is Tongue piercing, which is very dangerous yet joyful to witness. There is the belief that King Jagajyoti Malla started the festival; since then, it has been a famous festival. The festival draws thousands of visitors yearly. It is celebrated in the Bode of Bhaktapur. One of the locals from the Bode spends the entire day with an iron spike piercing his tongue and roams the city carrying a flaming torch called Mahadeep on his shoulder throughout the day.
Per the residents, the tongue-piercing festival will bring good luck to the city. Locals believe that the practice provides the blessing of god given to them. Consequently, drought, excessive rain, food shortages, or disease will not occur. Per the tradition, only Bode locals of the highest clan can volunteer for tongue piercing.
How is Biska Jatra Celebrated in Bhaktapur?
Biske Jatra is primarily celebrated in the Nyatapola/ Taumadi temple of Bhaktapur. Locals celebrate it through various unique and engaging rituals. Chariot pulling, battle of chariots, and tongue-piercing rituals are well-known festival events.
Chariot Procession
One of the clarifying features of Biske Jatra is the chariot procession. A wooden chariot carrying two Hindu deities, Bhairab and Bhadrakali, is paraded through the city. Then, it is pulled by teams of people through the crowded Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The Battle of Chariots
During the Chariots, a symbolic battle occurs between the chariots of Bhairava and Bhadrakali. The residents pull the chariots towards each other in a tug-of-war style, symbolizing the struggle between divine forces.
Tongue Piercing Festival
Tongue piercing is one of the most dangerous festivals, and it gives goosebumps to those who witness it. Brave volunteers, known as “Dhami,” pierce their tongues with metal rods to offer to the god.
Lyo sin dyo
Lyo sin dyo, also pronounced as lingo, is the major attraction of the Bisket Jatra. It is a towering pole that locals erect on the last day of the month of Chaitra and lay down on the new eve. The process is called Satruhanta Jatra, meaning seeing the downfall of one’s enemy. The event falls on the first day of Bikram Sambad, the first day of Baisakh.
Biska Jatra and Nepali New Year
Biska Jatra is held annually in mid-April, marking the transition into the New Year on Bikram Sambat on the Hindu solar calendar. As the festival is celebrated grandly exactly at the Nepalese New Year, the Jatra and New Year coincide. Thus, the festival symbolizes the interrelation of renewal and the victory of good over evil.
Conclusion
The Biska Jatra festival is enjoyable and symbolizes Bhaktapur’s cultural pride. Anyone who witnesses the festival will have an everlasting memory and understand the rich culture of Nepali tradition. A chariot, procession, music, and unique festival traditions honor the ancient tradition, representing culture and renewal.
FAQ
What is Biska Jatra?
Biska Jatra is an annual festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the traditional festival of Newar communities to celebrate culture and faith. Held in mid-April, the festival is known for its chariot procession, tongue piercing, sindoor ceremony, and lyo sin dyo.
How long does the Biska Jatra festival last?
Biska Jatra is celebrated for eight nights and nine days, signifying one of the largest Jatra in Nepal. During the period, the residents of the Specific city where the festival is celebrated engage in various practices. Each day of the Jatra has different events, making the festival exciting each day.
Can tourists participate in the Biska Jatra festival?
Yes, tourists are heartily welcome to witness and enjoy the festival. Tourists can enjoy the unique events and capture the moments. However, they should respect the cultural significance.
Why do people celebrate Jatra?
The term Jatra means “festival”. People celebrate it to honor and pay homage to gods and deities, seek blessings, and preserve culture. However, different Jatra have different religious significance.
How many Jatras are celebrated in Nepal?
Nepalese celebrate dozens of Jatras throughout the year, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. The exact number of Jatra varies, but some of the most notable ones include Indra, Biska, Seto Machindranath, Gai, Yomari Punhi, and Ghode Jatra.
What is the battle of the Chariots in Biska Jatra?
The battle of the chariots in Biska Jatra is a well-known event of a tug-of-war between the upper and lower teams to determine which half of the city gets the chariot first.
Are there any special foods associated with Biska Jatra?
No, there are no special foods associated with Biska Jatra. However, Newari food like Chatamari (Newari Pizza), Sukuti (dried meat), and Bara (lentil pancakes) are popular to taste during the occasion.
How old is the tradition of Biska Jatra?
The tradition of Biska Jatra dates back several centuries and is known as the oldest festival in Nepal. However, some older adults state that the festival has been celebrated since the 12th century.
How does Biska Jatra Preserve Bhaktapur’s cultural heritage?
The Biska Jatra preserves Bhaktapur’s cultural heritage by passing it to future generations by celebrating each year with great enthusiasm and making involvement of each member of the community.
What kind of attire do locals wear during Biska Jatra?
During the Biska Jatra, locals wear traditional Newari dress, including Haku Patasi by women and Haku Tapuli by men, showcasing their cultural pride.
