Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is celebrated in the old kingdom of Bhaktapur and its neighbouring areas. During the festival people replay a drama passed on over the centuries. God Bhairav and goddess Bhairav and goddess Bhadrakali are placed in large chariots and pulled through crowds of cheering onlookers. When the chariot reaches a sloping open square, there is a tug-of-war between the inhabitants of the upper and lower parts of the town. Winner are considered to be blessed with good fortune for the coming year. Other gods and goddesses, too, are put on palanquins and carried around so that they may see the sights. They are offered blood sacrifices, flowers,and coins. Men brimming with youthful vigor and rice beer drag the chariots across brick-paved streets of the town, and wherver these Rathas stop, lamps are lit and devotees overlow into the surrounding alleys.

Biska Jatra is also celbrated at Thimi At Bode village, there is a tongue-boring ceremony in which the dedicated may reserve a place in heaven. The festival concludes with several days of dancing and worship.