The Newari eventuality : Bisket Jatra a.k.a Nepalese New Year 2074
Photo by - Gerd Kholmus
Join Namas, Nepal and the proud Newari’s in Bhatkapur Durbar Square celebrate the new year, Bisket Jatra. Bhaktapur’s population congregates mid-April, just 14 mins away from Nepal’s chaotically organized temple capital. For these four days, Bhaktapur Durbar Square commences to become a regurgitating (albeit small scale) epicenter of showmanship in a battle of strength between the east-side and the west side. It is emblematic of the victory over good and evil, which alongside the journey taken by the god Bhairab in his chariot (roth) is played, a re-enactment of the devoted production presented by the locals every year. During Bisket Jatra one sees it is no wonder Bhaktapur was once known as the ‘City of Devotees’.
The chariots drawn through the streets rests at certain time-honored places in the city, people coming out to throw offerings of rice, coins and red sindur powder. A huge 25m-high lingam (phallic symbol) is erected in the stone yoni (female genital symbol) base. Their union the eternal process of creation and regeneration, the union of male and female principles, and all existence. It is now ready to be theatrically decimated; the pole crash-landing down signifying the beginning of the new advent calendar.
A new year is welcomed.
Happy Nepalese new year from the Namas Team.
Written by- Shanti Rai
Photos by : Romancing the planet
