Biska Jatra
the pole is brought down to symbolize victory over evil
This ancient new year Biska Jatra (बिस्काः जात्रा) festival of Bhaktapur takes place at the new year of the Bikram Sambat calendar (April). A few days before the new year, the goddess ‘Bhadrakali’ and the god ‘Bhairab’ are enshrined in their BHAILAKHA, (chariots) and pulled through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur by crowds of young men. The chariots rest at certain time-honored places in the city where people come out to throw offerings of flowers, rice, coins, and red Sindur (vermilion powder).
On the last day of the old year, a towering wooden pole known as ‘LYOSHING DYO’ or ‘lingo’ is erected at the edge of town. Long banners hang from the pole symbolizing snakes (Nag and Nagini). On New Year’s Day, the pole is brought down to symbolize victory over evil. A few days later, the chariot is again pulled through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur back to its original position in Tamari Square to mark the end of Biska Jatra.
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Bhaktapur (भक्तपुर), About this sound, listen (help·info); literally translates to “city of devotees”), also known as Khwopa (Nepal Bhasa: ख्वप Khwopa), is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal about 8 miles (13 km) from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is located in and serves as the headquarters of Bhaktapur District in Bagmati Pradesh of Nepal. It is administratively divided into 10 wards.
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Bisket Jatra, Bhaktapur. Lingo and the Bhairav Chariot
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