Bisket Jatra
बिस्केट जात्रा
Bhaktapur's thrilling New Year chariot festival with a dramatic tug-of-war pulling massive chariots through narrow medieval streets.
Location
Bhaktapur
Duration
9 days
Month (BS)
Chaitra/Baisakh
Month (AD)
April
Highlights
Massive chariot tug-of-war through medieval streets. Ceremonial pole (lingam) erection and toppling. Tongue-piercing rituals. Raw, unfiltered medieval energy.
Tips for Visitors
Go to Bhaktapur at least a day early to soak in the atmosphere. The chariot pull is physically intense — keep distance. Stay in Bhaktapur rather than day-tripping from Kathmandu. Photography is excellent but be careful in crowds.
Bisket Jatra is Bhaktapur's most important festival, marking the Nepali New Year in April. It is a raw, exhilarating nine-day celebration centered around massive chariot processions and a dramatic tug-of-war.
The main event features the towering chariot of Bhairav being pulled through the narrow brick streets of Bhaktapur by competing teams from the upper and lower city. The chariot is so massive it barely fits through the medieval lanes, scraping against ancient buildings as hundreds of men heave on thick ropes. Whichever side pulls the chariot to their territory is said to receive good fortune for the year.
On New Year's Eve, a 25-meter lingam (ceremonial pole) is erected at Khalna Tole. Its dramatic toppling the next morning marks the start of the new year. The festival also features the chariot of goddess Bhadrakali, tongue-piercing rituals, and copious amounts of local rice beer (thwon).
Unlike many Nepali festivals that have become sanitized, Bisket Jatra retains its fierce, chaotic energy.