The Chariot Clash of Biska Jatra!!
In the heart of the ancient city of Bhaktapur, where time seems to stand still, unfolds one of Nepal’s most electrifying festivals—Biska Jatra. It is a spectacle of devotion and revelry, a primal celebration of faith and defiance, where the past and present collide in a swirl of color, sound, and sheer human energy. At the core of the festival is the towering chariot of Lord Bhairava, a colossal wooden structure pulled through the narrow, labyrinthine streets by frenzied devotees.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: It was founded between 1069 – 1083 AD. The complex of palaces, courtyards and temples were built between 1200 to 1768 A.D. and once used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The main attractions are Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kashtamandap Temple, Kumari Temple (Living Goddess) etc. Swoyambhunath Stupa: It is a Buddhist stupa which stands at the top of a green hillock west of Kathmandu. It is believed to be over 2000 years old and was the point where Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. The main attractions are big Stupa, 365 steps, Pratapur and Anantapur Temples, Manjushree Temple along with numerous small chhortens.
Patan Durbar Square: The Patan city is believed to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. Most of the monuments were built between 12 th to 18 th centuries by Malla Kings. It is known as the center of fine arts and superb craftsmanship of its artisans. The main attractions are the old Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Taleju Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranyavarna Mahabihar) etc.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and observe Biska Jatra (Chariot Festival). Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is an ancient capital of Kathmandu valley and was founded by King Yakshya Malla in 14th century. It was the trade route to Tibet. It is considered as a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples. The main attractions are Royal Palace (fifty-five windowed), Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple, Bhairabnath Temple, Peacock Window etc.
BISKA JATRA (CHARIOT FESTIVAL)
Biska Jatra, is an annual event in Bhaktapur, Dhapasi, Madhyapur Thimi and Tokha and other places in Nepal. The festival is celebrated at the start of the new year on the Bikram Sambat calendar, however, the festival itself is not related to Bikram Sambat. Legend has it that this celebration is the "festival after the death of the serpent's. Various areas of Bhaktapur city celebrate this festival according to their own rituals. The most eventful places are Taumadhi Square and Thimi Balkumari. A hariot carrying the statue of Lord Bhairava is pulled by hundreds of people to towards upper (Thaney) and lower (Koney) neighbourhood as tug of war. Approximately a month earlier, the chariot is assembled near the Nyatapola temple. The signature event on Bhaktapur Taumadhi kicks off the Biska jatra which means the god Bhairava is brought outside from its temple for the festival, it is a tug-of-war between the Thane (upper) and Kone (lower) pa rt of town. The chariot is pulled from both sides and whoever wins that part of town gets to take the chance of the chariot to their place while the other sides wait for their turn. The chariot is at last pulled down to gahiti where the chariot is kept for two days and again pulled down to Lyasinkhel on the eve of Nepali
new year.
An approximately 25 meter Yoh si Dyo is erected in the yosi khyo. The chariot is then pulled on the Lyasinkhel and kept till the next day. The Yoh si is pulled down on the eve of New Year. Then again the chariot is pulled to gahiti and on the last day which is also called " dya thaha bijyaigu" which means god Bhairava is again brought to temple,all the people are, the chariot is again pulled on both sides and finally settled to the premises of 5 storied temple. Several places in Madhyapur Thimi (Thimi, Nagadesh and Bode) also celebrate Biska Jatra. Folks from various parts of Madhyapur Thimi gather, carrying their own chariots in Layeku Thimi. People celebrate and share greetings, throwing simrik color powder and playing Dhimay music.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is one of the sacred Hindu temple complexes located on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is not known when the Pashupatinath Temple was built. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus (Animal), who are living and non-living beings. The existence of the Pashupatinath Temple dates back to 400 BC. C., the richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. There are many legends describing how the Pashupatinath temple arose here.
Boudhanath Stupa : It was built by King Lichchhavi Mana Dev in the 5th century AD. C. Boudhanath is also called Khasti Chaitya in Kathmandu. The huge mandala of the stupa makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal with lots of positive energy. From its whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, the monument is perfectly proportioned. Pilgrims do koras (circumambulations) in the morning and in the afternoon in search of luck, peace and prosperity for all beings that live in this world.
Overnight at hotel.
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