BHAKTAPUR is a must-see tourist attraction, having been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its temple complexes, traditional wood carvings, and sculptures. It is the birthplace of Newar architecture and sculpture. Many remnants of the ancient pottery, wood carving, and weaving industries can be found walking around the old town center, as well as beautiful temples, ponds, and old traditional wood houses. The city’s local Newar traditions, festivals, and culture are also very rich.
Bhaktapur means “City Of Devotees” in Sanskrit. Almost no month goes by without some kind of festival being observed.
This ancient new year festival of Bhaktapur takes place at the new year of the Bikram Sambat (B.S)calendar (April). A few days before the new year, the goddess “Bhadrakali” and the god “Bhairabnath” are enshrined in their Raths(chariots) and pulled through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur by crowds of young men.
The chariots rest at certain time-honored places in the city where people come out to throw offerings of flower, rice, coins and red sindur powder(Fragrance).On the last day of the previous year, a huge wooden pole known as a ‘YOSIN DYO’ or a ‘lingo’ is erected on the outskirts of town. Long snake-themed banners dangle from the pole (Nag and Nagini).
The pole is brought down on New Year’s Day to symbolize victory over evil.To mark the end of Biska Jatra(Bisket Jatra), the chariot is pulled back through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur to its original spot in Taumadhi Square a few days later. Read More…
Kumar Khasti (Sithi Nakha:)
Sithi Nakha:, which occurs in May or June, marks the beginning of the rainy season. The rulers of water Nagas (snakes), it is assumed, leave the wells for other destinations as the water level drops due to the dry season. As part of a festival of cleaning water bodies, the Newar group cleans wetlands, river banks, historic stone spouts, and wells during this period. People eat traditional Newar delicacies like WO(Bara) and Chatamari to commemorate the occasion.
Gathamaga Charya
Gathamaga is a straw figure that represents the devil. To rid their neighborhood of bad, residents make Gathamagas and then burn them on fires. On this day, mosquitoes are said to lose a leg.
Congratulation!