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Biska Jatra
During this important festival, the old kingdom of
Bhaktapurand its neighbouring areas replay a brama passed on
over the centuries. Images of wrathful and somewhat demonic
details are placed on tottering chariots. They are offered blood
sacrifices flowers and coins. Men brimming with youthful vigor
and rice beer drag the chariost across brick-paved streets of
the town and whereever these raths stop lamps are lit and
devotees overflow into the surrounding alleys. Other gods and
goddesses to are put on palanquins and carried around so that
they may see the sights. At Bode village there is a
tongue-boring ceremony in which the dedicated may reserve a
placed in heaven.
New Year's Day
The Nepalese follow their own calendar system known as the
Bikram Era or Bikram Sambat. Nawabarsha is celebrated on the
first day of the first month of the new year and is observed as
an official holiday. In bhaktapur fifteen kilometers from
Kathmandu the New Year celebrations take on added importance at
Bisket Jatra. Images of the god Bhairav and his female
counterpart Bhadrakali are enshrined in two large chariots and
pulled through crowds of cheering on lookers. Whenthe chariot
reaches a sloping open square there is a tug-of-war between the
inhabitants of the upper and lower parts of the town. Winners
are considered to be blessed with good fortune for the coming
year. The festival concludes with several days of dancing and
worship. Thimi another ancient town of the valley also
celebrates the New Year with special festivities.
Rato Machhendranath Jatra
This festival takes place in Patan. During the celebrations
the towering chariot of Lord Machchhendranath is pulled by ropes
through the narrow streets of the city followed by a large crowd
of worshippers in front of the chariot. A small crowd of
musicians soldiers add even more excitment to the occasion. Over
a period of several weeks the chariot is slowly hauled to
Jawalakhel where thousands of devotees burn oil lamps and keep
an all-bight vigil. During this chariot festival the Bhoto or
Scared waistcoat itself the subject to many legends is displayed
from the chariot. A final ritual is then conducted to mark Lord
Machchhendranath's yearly return to his home in the nearby
village of Bungmati.
Buddha Jayanti
Ever-benevolent Buddha was born in Nepal and the religion he
preached is second most popular in the kingdom. On May 6 a full
moon day the Lord's birth enlightment and salvation are
applauded throughout the valley with celebrations. Swayambhu and
Boudhanath Stupas are prepared for the oncoming festivities
several days in advance. Monasteries are cleaned statues
arepolished bright prayer flags waft in the breeze and monks
prepare to dance. On the jayanti day, people reach the stupas
before dawn go around them and give offerings to the many Buddha
images there.
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