Bisket Jatra, Nepali New Year

Nepali Bisket Jatra, also known as Bisket Festival, is an annual religious festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is a four-day festival that usually takes place in the Nepali month of Chaitra (March-April) and is one of the most significant festivals in the region.
The festival is believed to have its origins in the medieval period, during the Malla dynasty's reign. According to legend, a pair of serpents once terrorized the inhabitants of Bhaktapur, an ancient city in the Kathmandu Valley. The people of Bhaktapur managed to subdue the serpents by offering them a sacrificial maiden every year. However, one year, a brave youth volunteered to fight the serpents, and after a fierce battle, he managed to kill the serpents and saved the city. To commemorate this victory, the festival of Bisket Jatra is celebrated every year.

During the festival, the city of Bhaktapur is divided into two parts, the upper part and the lower part. The upper part of the city is known as Thimi, while the lower part is known as Surya Binayak. On the first day of the festival, a wooden pole known as "Yoshin Dyo" is erected in each part of the city. The pole is considered a representation of the serpent that was slain in the legend.
On the second day, a chariot carrying the idol of Bhairava, the Hindu god of destruction, is pulled through the streets of Bhaktapur by devotees. The chariot stops at a designated location, and an elaborate ceremony is performed. The highlight of the ceremony is when the idol is thrown into a crowd of people, and whoever catches it becomes the guardian of the city for the year.
On the third day, a tug-of-war is held between the upper and lower parts of the city, with the Yoshin Dyo poles as the center of the rope. The winning side is believed to have good fortune for the coming year.
The final day of the festival is the New Year's Day in the Nepali calendar. On this day, people visit their relatives and friends and exchange greetings and gifts.
In conclusion, Nepali Bisket Jatra is an exciting and unique festival that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. It is a celebration of bravery, victory, and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is an essential part of the local community's identity and provides a sense of unity and belonging.