Nepali New Year is the only festival that does not follow the traditional Bhittay Paatro (Nepali lunar calendar). 'Bisket Jatra', Bhaktapur's unique contribution to the valley's festival cycle marks the ancient solar Nato Barsha (New Year) instead. The most spectacular of all celebrations takes place in Bhadgaon in Bhaktapur - the ancient city of the Naga Malta kings and attracts many tourists.
People, gods, demons and beings, all are invited to witness and be part of this vibrant celebration. Banners and beams, a huge tug of war between the eastern and western sides of town (the winning side is charged with looking after the images of god during the riverside sojourn), chariot action, ancient re-indictments and blood sacrifices are just some of the features of this 10-day mayhem, which commences the official Naba Barsha,
Nepali New Year Bikram Sambat (B.S.) is said to have been founded by semi-legendary king, Bikramditya in 57A0. It's the official Nepali year (we have other new years too) that combines with the 10-day local festival, Bisket Images of Bhairab and the goddess Bhadra.kati are enshrined in chariots and hauled about and s25 metre high 'victory pole' is hoisted upright in an open field on New Year's eve and then sent crashing down, driving away evil spirits and officially marking the New Year the following evening.
The following day, nearby Thimi. Bal Kumari Jatra instituted by King Jagat Jyoti Malla in the early 1600s is observed. Bal Kuman is another of Bhairab's consorts
. The next morning, representatives (men) from various toles (quarters) of Thimi and from surrouding villages come with a procession of 32 palanquins called khats with images of different gods.
As the 32 khats whirl around the temple sindoor (vermillion) powder is hurled at them and the ceremony reaches fever pitch as the khat bearing Ganesha arrives from the village of Nagadish.
Crowds parade up and down the streets until late morning when Ganesha, borne by hundreds of men, makes a break for home, pursued by other khats. If the latter can catch Ganesha the activities are prolonged but eventually Ganesha departs and the festival moves on to Taleiu temple.
.ater in the day, crowds swarm to Bode to see the bizarre tongue-piercing ritual, in which priests pierce the tongue of a volunteer with large steel needles, an act of penitence said to earn great merit and to leave the pure unharmed. Another khat festival with 7 khats take place here.
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