Religious Festivals in Katmandu, Pokhara and elsewhere in Nepal

Biska Jatra

Biska Jatra takes place in and around the Bhaktapur district of Kathmandu during April and is one of the more important festivals. Events are begun with the erection of the yosin pole (below, centre-right). Images of wrathful, almost demonic deities are placed on tottering chariots.

They are offered blood sacrifices, flowers and coins. There follows a tug of war between north and south in which the more vigorous (and intoxicated) younger men vie to drag a chariot in their direction and win good luck for the following year. Wherever the chariots (or raths) stop along the brick paved streets of the town, lamps are lit and devotees spill into the surrounding streets and alleys. Other gods and godesses are carried around to take in the sights. At Bode village, there is a tongue-boring ceremony for the dedicated to reserve a place in heaven.