Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur begins today

KATHMANDU: The renowned Biska (Bisket) jatra of Bhaktapur is beginning from today. The festival of cultural and historical importance is celebrated for nine days and eight nights.

The festival begins with the pulling of the chariot of Bhaila Kha: (Bhairavnath) from the Panchtalle (five-storey) temple in Taumadhi this evening. The three-storey chariot made of wood in the pagoda style will be pushed and pulled in the upper and lower tole or settlements with the statues of Bhairavnath and Betal.

Bhaktapur municipality has discussed with stakeholders to outline a routine to observe the festival in an organized manner, also considering the risk of Corona Virus infection.

It may be noted that the Bhaktapur district administration had decided to stop the festival from being observed with mass participation, citing increasing rate of infection in the valley.

However, the Supreme Court issued an interim order staying the decision, thereby giving way for people to observe the festival. The organizers however have made arrangements to exercise caution to the extent possible.–