Kathmandu, April 10
The historically famous and culturally important Biska Jatra of Bhaktapur is starting today.
The Biska Jatra begins this evening by pulling the chariot of Nakinju Ajima to Ghatkha from the front of the Panchatle temple in Tamari and pulling the chariot of Bhairavnath.
The jatra, which coincides with the new year, is celebrated with much fanfare for eight nights and nine days.
Before pulling the chariot, Lord Bhairavnath is worshipped and the pilgrims pull the chariot with the help of ropes attached to the front and take it to their respective tole. The main attraction of the procession is pulling the chariot, which is also done in a competitive manner among the settlement blocks.
There is a religious belief that watching the Biska Jatra destroys the enemy, so this Jatra is also called Shatruhanta Jatra.
On the last day of the procession, Bhairavnath’s chariot is pulled from Gahiti as it was on the first day by the residents of Thane and Kwane Tole.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma says a strategy has been prepared after holding discussions with the stakeholders to complete the jatra in a dignified and timely manner. Metropolitan Police Chief Shiva Kumar Shrestha informs that 950 Nepal Police and 400 Armed Police Force personnel will be mobilised for the jatra.
The CCTV cameras have been installed at the crossroads to identify the rioters during the jatra.
