[Photo from tourismkathmandu.com]

Bisket Jatra is celebrated in the historic city of Nepal, Bhaktapur and the surrounding areas. During the festival people replay a drama passed on over the centuries. God Bhairav and goddess Bhadrakali are placed in large chariots (locally known as Rathas) and pulled through crowds of cheering onlookers.

When the chariot reaches a sloping open square, there is a tug-of-war between the inhabitants of living in the scattered local of city. Winners are considered to be blessed with good fortune for the up coming years.

Other gods and goddesses are also put on palanquins and carried around so that they may witness the sights. Rituals of sacrifice, flowers, and coins are endowed to know them.

Especially the youths drag the chariots across brick-paved streets of the town, with the celebration of rice beer for fun wherever these Rathas stop, lamps are lit and devotees overflow into the surrounding alleys.

Bisket Jatra is also celebrated in Thimi at Bode village, there is a tongue-piercing ceremony in which the dedicated may reserve a place in heaven. The festival concludes with several days of dancing and worshiping.