Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur: The Thrills and the risks

In Kathmandu Valley, Jatras are important religious celebrations, mainly of the Newar community. Some of the most important festivals include Indra Jatra in Kathmandu, Rato Machindranath Jatra in Lalitpur, and Bisket and Gai Jatras in Bhaktapur. Celebrated at the end of Chaitra is the Bisket Jatra, a festival that celebrates the end of the year on the Bikram Sambat calendar. It is celebrated by pulling chariots of Goddess Bhadrakali and God Bhairav on the streets of Bhaktapur. The Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur is one of the oldest and most exciting festivals of Nepal that is celebrated every year in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, outside of the capital, Kathmandu. The 8-day-long celebration of the spring (Basanta) season in April, picturizing one of the biggest festivals of the nation. For both locals and tourists alike, Bisket Jatra is a captivating blend of spirituality, strength, and community.

History of Bisket Jatra

It is said that the origins of Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur date back to the Malla period and were later enhanced with the addition of the procession of the chariot during the reign of the kings of Bhaktapur. While the origins are not well known, local folklore suggests that it was held for the first time when King Jagat Jyoti Malla, influenced by a story about serpents and a cursed princess, chose to organize it. The festival then transformed into a glorious, joyful occasion, representing good’s victory over evil. This celebration is known by a few different names, like the term “Bisket Jatra,” which refers to the colorful procession, and the terms Vishwodhoj Jatra and Chyacha Gunhuya Jatra. The event spans eight nights and nine days.

The Chariot battle

The festival is known for a tug of war between two massive chariots, one dedicated to the god Bhairab and the other to the goddess Bhadra Kali. The chariots are pulled by hundreds of locals through Bhaktapur’s narrow streets, and a brutal tug of war ensues over which half of the city the chariot visits first. The chariot battles symbolize the deity’s arrival in the city, as two teams, one from the top half of Bhaktapur and one from the lower half, strive to outdo each other in both devotion and prowess. The tug of war is a rager, with an uneven rope that favors one team, but the contest for supremacy is eternally thrilling.

Beyond the raw power needed to pull the massive wooden chariots, the narrow streets and close quarters, in addition to the energy levels these festivals generate, lead to accidents, which makes this one of the deadliest festivals in the world.

Discover the Shocking things you don’t know about Bisket Jatra in Nepal!

The Thrills: Celebrating tradition and unity

Besides being a display of pure strength, the Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur also encapsulates the rich cultural heritage of Bhaktapur. People from every corner of society work together to pull the chariots and, in the process, feel a sense of community. This is the culmination of the centuries-old traditions of the city and the fealty of the people to their gods. It is a joyous event, and the energy of the people attending the Jatra is contagious. People, tourists, and locals arrive from all over Nepal. The streets of Bhaktapur turn into a continuous wave of people, music, and celebration, the elaborate processions featuring drums and trumpets that fill the air with an electric quality. For many, it is an opportunity to touch the past and feel the beat of the community’s abiding spirit.

The Risks: The Danger of the Tug of War

While the excitement of Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur is no doubt exciting, it is not without risks. The chariot tug of war is a physically taxing and hazardously deadly affair. With hundreds of people yanking on ropes in opposing directions, the chances of injury are high, and every year, a handful of participants find themselves with anything from bruises to more serious injuries. And the massive chariots, weighing in at several tons, can present additional risks if they go off course or upend.

The festival is thus a theatrical display of being devoted, but it also mirrors the dangers inherent in such chances during an event with high stakes. The dangers, however, do not seem to faze the participants, who are full of spirit and bravado, seeing the risks as part of their community’s culture.

The Lingo

The Lingo is a symbolic pole set up during the festival of Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur to celebrate the king’s son-in-law’s survival after the wedding night. Based on the myth, two 55-foot poles are erected. A red cloth is used to wrap the pole hands, which are then “killed” to protect them from the snakes killing them for the rest of the year. The Lingo is also linked to the worship of snakes, regarded as guardians of rain and agriculture. Once the Lingo is dispatched on New Year’s Day, there’s a parade of chariots, traditional music, and dances celebrating both the marriage of the princess and the bravery of the son-in-law.

Local Impact and Tourism

​Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur is an essential source of local livelihood and part of the community’s life. This is one of the ways to lure a lot of visitors, both domestic and foreign, promoting tourism in Bhaktapur. Tourists flock to see the festival in all its beauty, and hotels, restaurants, and local artisans are making money from the influx. Another addition is the mention of the local traditions, such as the Sindoor Jatra and Tongue-Piercing Festival, which fall during the same time as Bisket Jatra. This celebration represents the deep cultural roots of the Bhaktapur people. But the festival isn’t without risks to the local community, with more than a fair share of injuries and accidents during chariot battles that sometimes require medical attention. Still, there is much pride and community in Bhaktapur, where the festival gives a sense of identity and togetherness.

More than just a celebration, Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur is a fascinating experience that provides a peek into the heart of Bhaktapur. It is an event that draws people to participate from all around the state, and whoever wins the tournament gets rewarded in the end as a way of celebrating their victory. Indeed, the dangers of the tug-of-war are apparent, but the joy and the thrill of the spectacle consistently attract thousands. Whether you join in or merely observe from the sidelines, Bisket Jatra is a mighty affirmation of all the strength, solidarity, and cultural pride that underpins Bhaktapur and its people.

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