BHAKTAPUR: Preparations have begun for the construction of the chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali for the historic Biska Jatra, a nine-day, eight-night festival celebrated in Bhaktapur.
The initial work for building the chariots has started at the premises of the five-storied Nyatapola Temple in Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur.
Organizers said many of the wooden components of the chariots, including the wheels, have become old and worn out. As a result, new timber has been brought in to construct the chariots for this year’s festival.
The Bisket Jatra begins four days before the Nepali New Year with the pulling of the chariot of Bhairav.
The festival’s main rituals take place at the end of the Nepali month of Chaitra when the ceremonial lingo (pole) with the Indradhwaja is erected. On Baisakh 1, the first day of the Nepali New Year, the Lingo Jatra is celebrated throughout the day at Lyasingkhel, and the pole is pulled down in the evening to mark the conclusion of the celebration.
All materials required for constructing the chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali are managed by the Guthi Sansthan.
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