The Nepal Weekly 
April 12, 2022
The Kathmandu Valley is the place of temple and very rich in cultural heritage. Within 7 km radius there are 7 world heritage sites – – Pashupati Temple, Baudha Stupa, Swayambhu Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square – – which is be found only in Nepal. Museums in Kathmandu have rich collections of archaeological, historical and artistic importance and galleries display art work of the past and present. Full of art, architecture and culture, the Kathmandu Valley is the prime destination for the tourists. As Nepal is a land of festivities and celebrations, visitors can experience how a culturally diverse and rich society of Nepal grooms in harmony.
As Buddhism and Hinduism developed and changed over the centuries throughout Asia, both religions prospered in Nepal and produced a powerful artistic and architectural fusion beginning at least from the 5th century AD, but truly coming into its own in the three hundred year period between 1500 and 1800 AD. These monuments were defined by the outstanding cultural traditions of the Newars, manifested in their unique urban settlements, buildings and structures with intricate ornamentation displaying outstanding craftsmanship in brick, stone, timber and bronze that are some of the most highly developed in the world.
The Kathmandu Valley people celebrate festivals with pulling chariots or carrying different gods and goddesses or performing masked dances is one the characteristics of the original inhabitants of the valley. Such events take place almost round the year.
The valley had recently observed Shivaratri, Holi and Paahaachare (Ghodajatra). Likewise, Swetakali masked dance 12 yearly and Harisiddhi 12 yearly masked dance were observed recently.
There are few but culturally important festivals are being celebrated this week, coming week and the third week to come. Ongoing festivals and jatras are Janbaadyojatra, Bungadyojatra, SakwoJatra, Bisikaajatraa, Thimijatra, Hadigaunjatra, Lhutipunhi, Balkumarijatra at Sunakothi, Golejatra draw the attractions of the devotees and commoners.
Seto Machindranath Rath Jatra
Consistently Seto Machindranath Rath Jatra begins in around March end (Chaitra Sukla Aastami). This year, the Jatra began on April 9, 2022. The Seto Machindranath (White Machindranath or Machhendranath) is viewed as the divine force of rain and the god for good harvesting. Seto Machindranath Rath Jatra is a traditional festival of the Newar people. During the festival, the statue of Seto Machindranath is carried up to Jamal Tindhara (Durbar Margh) in a small chariot. The statue is then transferred to a bigger chariot, which will be pulled around the core area Ason, Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square), Jaisideval and Lagan.
Events of this the jatra will take place this year on April 9, 10, 11.
Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur
BisikaJatra (also called Bisket) is the main festival of Bhaktapur. It is the Jatra of Golden Chariot. This festival is celebrated in mid-April, the last day of the Nepali year calendar. A golden chariot is pulled over streets until it reaches Khalnatole. When it reaches there a pole about 25m is held up high and is demolished the next day as a symbol of ending the day and turning it into a new year. This public occasion is assisted by locals by putting tika to their young ones and this way the New Year is brought out to life.
Main event of this the jatra will take place this year on April 14 2022
Thimi Sindur Jatra
SindurJatra is another biggest celebration in Madyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Festival of colour, chariots, Newar traditional music. Vibrant movement of local residents enjoying the festival is the feature of this festival. Carrying chariot of Balkumari to take round of the town is the main event while a number of other chariots of different gods and goddesses were also taken out for taking round to the town.
Main event of this the jatra will take place this year on April 14 and 15. Piercing tongue is another important event of Thimi Sindurjatra which take place in the same calendar.
New Year’s celebration
New Year day of Nepal’s official calendar is observed on the first of Baishakh (April 14). People go to temples and shrines to worship gods and goddesses on this occasion. Dance, drink and dinner on this occasion are organised in the households and restaurants and hotels are additional attraction for locals and foreigners in Nepal.
Bajrayogini Jatra
Every year the BajrayoginiJatra takes place in Sankhu (Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu). This Jatra is commended as long as 8 days. This is one of the major jatra among other jatras which is commended every year inside the Kathmandu Valley. During the time of this jatra, we can see heaps of individuals and the ownership of celebration.
Sankhu is a small town located in the east north side of Kathmandu and the populace is additionally extremely less in contrast with large urban areas like Kathmandu. This jatra is extremely popular among the Newars so from various territory individuals assemble to watch this celebration.
This Bajrayogini sanctuary is at the highest point of the slope, cutting down the sculpture of Bajrayogini Goddesses in the overwhelming chariot is truly energizing to see. While watching this jatra individuals get an excessive amount of energy and pleasure. Individuals originated from various region because of which the fellowship relationship increments.
Bungadyo jatra
Bungadyo jatra, the chariot pulling festival of Rato Machhendranath is one of the important festivals in Lalitpur. This will start in a three weeks. The festival is one of the longest festivals. (By Ram Dangol)
