How to Celebrate Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur 2025

When and Where

 

Date: April 13–21, 2025 (Chaitra 30 to Baisakh 8, 2082 Bikram Sambat)

⇒ Key Day: April 14, 2025 (Baisakh 1) ⇐

Location: Bhaktapur, Nepal—Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Lyaku (Pottery Square), Khalna Tole

 

The Legend

 

It’s all about a cursed princess—suitors dead by dawn, serpents from her nostrils to blame. A tantric hero wed her, stayed awake, and slashed the snakes, breaking the curse.

 

King Jagajyoti Malla (or Bhupatindra) spun this into Bisket Jatra—Bhairav and Bhadrakali star, chariots and poles play out the drama. It’s spring’s kickoff, not just New Year hype, with a month of Newari prep behind it.

 

How to Celebrate: Nine Days of Action

 

Here’s your plan:

 

April 13 (Day 1): Chariot Tug-of-War

 

What Happens: Taumadhi Square erupts—two huge chariots (Bhairav’s three-tiered giant, Bhadrakali’s sidekick) get yanked by hundreds. Thane (upper) vs. Kone (lower) town halves fight to pull them their way.

 

How to Celebrate: Arrive by 4 PM—grab a spot on the edges. Cheer, snap pics, but dodge the chariot path—it’s wild.

 

Tip: Shoes with grip—crowds shove.

 

April 14 (Day 2): New Year + Pole Fall

 

What Happens: Nepali New Year hits (Baisakh 1). The 25-meter lingo pole—raised days prior—crashes at Khalna Tole late afternoon, ending the curse. Chariots roll on.

 

How to Celebrate: Morning at Durbar Square—see rice and vermilion offerings. By 5 PM, hit Khalna Tole—stand clear as the pole drops. Say “Subha Baisakh” (Happy New Year).

 

Tip: Hydrate—20–25°C cooks you.

 

April 15 (Day 3): Chariot Processions Continue

 

What Happens: Chariots keep moving—Bhairav’s rath roams, locals pray at Bhairavnath Temple. Smaller rituals pop up.

 

How to Celebrate: Wander Taumadhi—watch the chariots’ slow grind. Try bara (lentil pancake) from a stall.

 

Tip: Chill pace—energy’s still high.

 

April 16 (Day 4): Local Gatherings

 

What Happens: Neighborhoods host feasts and prayers—less public spectacle, more community vibe. Chariots rest or shift slightly.

 

How to Celebrate: Explore alleys—peek at family feasts if invited (smile, say “Namaste”). Nyatapola Temple’s a quiet stop (NPR 1,500 entry).

 

Tip: Respect privacy—don’t intrude.

 

April 17 (Day 5): Mid-Festival Buzz

 

What Happens: Smaller chariot pulls or rituals at temples—Bhairav and Bhadrakali get offerings. Kids play, drums hum.

 

How to Celebrate: Durbar Square—catch street music, grab chatamari (rice crepe). Soak in the halfway mark.

 

Tip: Sunscreen—April sun’s sneaky.

 

April 18 (Day 6): Sindoor Jatra Side Trip

 

What Happens: Madhyapur Thimi (15 km away) explodes with Sindoor Jatra—orange powder, 32 palanquins, dhime drums. Bhaktapur hums on.

 

How to Celebrate: Taxi over (NPR 1,000)—wear old clothes, toss sindoor if offered (ask first). Back in Bhaktapur, catch evening chariot vibes.

 

Tip: Scarf—powder’s a mess.

 

April 19 (Day 7): Community Feasts & Calm

 

What Happens: Locals feast—kwati (bean soup) and meat flow. Chariots pause, temple prayers pick up. It’s a breather before the end.

 

How to Celebrate: Stroll Lyaku—potters sell clay goodies. Try juju dhau (king curd) from a vendor.

 

Tip: Rest legs—crowds thin out.

 

April 20 (Day 8): Final Prep

 

What Happens: Chariots prep for their return—offerings at Bhairavnath Temple peak. Kids chase the last of the fest’s buzz.

 

How to Celebrate: Durbar Square—watch locals clean up, pray. Grab a quiet tea and reflect.

 

Tip: Early night—Day 9’s the close.

 

April 21 (Day 9): Chariot Homecoming

 

What Happens: Chariots roll back to Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali temples—quiet end to nine days.

 

How to Celebrate: Morning at Taumadhi—see the chariots settle. Buy a pot souvenir, soak in the calm.

 

Tip: Legs ache? You’ve earned a massage.

 

Practical Tips

 

Getting There: Kathmandu —taxi (NPR 1,500, 45 mins) or bus (NPR 50, 1 hr) to Bhaktapur.

Stay: Durbar Square guesthouses or budget spots —book early for April.

Safety: Crowds surge—money belt for gear. Avoid chariot paths.

Weather: Dry, 15–25°C—layers, hat, poncho (rain’s rare).

Cost: Ask us.

 

Why It’s a Must

 

Bisket Jatra 2025—April 13–21—is Bhaktapur unplugged: chariots groan, poles fall, sindoor flies. It’s Newari heart, not a tourist gimmick, set against brick-and-wood beauty. Spring starts, evil dies, community thrives—you’ll feel it all.

 

Bonus Nearby

 

Thimi’s Sindoor Jatra: Day 6’s color riot—15 km trip.

 

Bode’s Jibro Chhedne: Tongue-piercing oddity—April 14–15, ask locals.

 

April 14, 2025—Bisket Jatra’s your ticket to Nepal’s wild side. Dive in, soak it up. Got a question? I’m here!