Biska Jatra (Bisket Jatra) 2025 – The Grand Festival of Bhaktapur

Introduction to Biska Jatra

Biska Jatra, also known as Bisket Jatra, is one of Nepal’s most vibrant and culturally rich festivals, celebrated annually in Bhaktapur during the Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1st). Unlike other New Year festivals that involve simple celebrations, Biska Jatra is a powerful fusion of myth, culture, tradition, and thrilling street events. The festival is unique to Bhaktapur and neighboring villages such as Thimi and Bode and lasts for nine days of unparalleled excitement, chariot processions, ceremonial rituals, and community engagement.

In 2025, Biska Jatra will take place from April 10 to April 18, marking the beginning of the Nepali New Year 2082 BS with grand processions and historic traditions.

History and Legend Behind Biska Jatra

Biska Jatra is deeply rooted in mythology and represents the triumph of good over evil. According to legend, a serpent (Nāga) haunted a local Malla king’s palace. Every time a newlywed prince spent his wedding night in the palace, he was mysteriously found dead the next morning. The situation continued until a brave warrior volunteered to stay the night and, instead of sleeping, he slew the serpent when it emerged. His victory was celebrated with grand processions and festivals, eventually leading to what we now call Biska Jatra.

Another version of the story links the festival to the tug-of-war event between two poles, symbolizing the serpent’s downfall and the Nepali New Year’s transition from the old to the new.

Key Events and Rituals of Biska Jatra

Biska Jatra is filled with thrilling activities, cultural ceremonies, and spectacular events that attract thousands of visitors every year. The festival is particularly famous for its chariot processions, pole-raising (Linga), Sindoor Jatra (vermilion festival), and the iconic tongue-piercing ritual.

1. The Chariot Processions of Bhairab and Bhadrakali

• The highlight of Biska Jatra is the massive chariot pulling event, featuring two enormous wooden chariots (raths) dedicated to Lord Bhairab and Goddess Bhadrakali.
• The chariots are pulled by two groups of locals from different parts of Bhaktapur in a fierce competition that resembles a tug-of-war.
• Thousands of people gather in Taumadhi Square to witness this dramatic event, and the direction in which the chariot moves is said to determine the fate of the year ahead.

2. The Erection and Pulling Down of the Tall Poles (Lindos)

• On the main day, two gigantic wooden poles (Linga or Yosin) are erected in different locations: one in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the other in Yosinkhel, Thimi.
• These poles represent the slain serpent from the festival’s legend.
• The final day of the festival features a grand tug-of-war contest, where people compete to pull the poles down, symbolizing the fall of evil and the start of a new year.

3. Sindoor Jatra – The Festival of Colors

• In Thimi, Biska Jatra takes on a colorful twist with Sindoor Jatra, where people throw vermilion powder (sindoor) at each other.
• This resembles Holi, but with an even stronger cultural significance, as 32 palanquins (khat) carrying different gods and goddesses are paraded through the streets.
• The atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and joyous celebrations, making it a perfect moment for photography.

4. The Tongue Piercing Ritual in Bode

• One of the most intense aspects of Biska Jatra occurs in Bode, where a local volunteer from the Newar community undergoes a tongue-piercing ceremony.
• His tongue is pierced with an iron spike, and he walks through the town carrying burning oil lamps as an act of penance and devotion.
• This ritual is believed to bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune to the city for the upcoming year.

5. The Grand Procession of Deities

• Along with the major chariot festival, various temples and shrines bring out their idols for processions.
• The streets of Bhaktapur are filled with devotees, traditional music, and cultural dances that make the atmosphere truly magical.

Best Time and Travel Tips for Biska Jatra 2025

If you plan to witness the Biska Jatra festival in April 2025, here are some important travel tips:

✅ Best Dates to Visit: April 10–18, 2025 (Main events on April 10, 12, 13, and 18)

✅ Where to Stay: Book accommodations in Bhaktapur early as hotels fill up quickly.

✅ What to Wear: Light and comfortable clothing, with covered shoes for walking.

✅ Photography Tips: Early morning and evening are the best times to capture the chariot processions and cultural events.

✅ Local Etiquette: Respect the traditions, follow security instructions during chariot pulling, and avoid getting too close to the moving chariots.

Why Visit Biska Jatra with Kabru Adventure Holidays?

At Kabru Adventure Holidays, we provide an exclusive and immersive experience of Biska Jatra, ensuring that you enjoy every moment of this grand festival. Our Biska Jatra Photography Tour offers:

🎯 Prime Viewing Spots – Witness the chariot pulling, Sindoor Jatra, and pole-raising from the best locations.

🎯 Professional Guides – Learn the deep history and significance of each ritual.                              🎯 Luxury Accommodation – Stay at the best hotels in Bhaktapur and Kathmandu for comfort and convenience.                                                                                                                                                    🎯 Exclusive Cultural Experience – Enjoy local Newari cuisine, interact with festival participants, and take part in traditional celebrations.                                                                                  🎯 Private Photography Sessions – Get access to unique angles and expert guidance for stunning festival photography.

Conclusion

Biska Jatra is more than just a festival—it’s a thrilling, vibrant, and spiritually uplifting experience that showcases Nepal’s rich culture and traditions. Whether you’re a traveler, photographer, or cultural enthusiast, this festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into Nepal’s heritage.

📸 Join Kabru Adventure Holidays from April 10–18, 2025, for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Nepal’s most exciting festival!

Contact us today to book your Biska Jatra tour!

Experience the Festival of Colors with Kabru Adventure Holidays

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of Nepal’s most vibrant and exhilarating celebrations. This joyous occasion marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, bringing people together in a riot of colors, music, dance, and laughter. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in this dazzling spectacle, Kabru Adventure Holidays offers the ultimate Holi experience, ensuring you celebrate in the most authentic and exciting way possible.

Why is Holi Celebrated? The Mythology Behind the Colors

Holi, also known as Fagu Purnima in Nepal, has deep roots in Hindu mythology. The festival primarily originates from two famous legends:

The Legend of Holika and Prahlad

This tale symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the arrogant King Hiranyakashipu wanted to be worshiped as a god, but his son, Prince Prahlad, remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. Enraged, the king enlisted his sister Holika, who had a boon making her immune to fire, to burn Prahlad alive. However, through divine intervention, Holika perished while Prahlad survived, reinforcing the message that good always prevails over evil. To commemorate this victory, people burn bonfires on the eve of Holi and then celebrate with colors the next day.

The Love Story of Krishna and Radha

Lord Krishna, known for his mischievous and playful nature, was worried about his dark complexion compared to Radha’s fair skin. His mother advised him to apply colors to Radha’s face, making them equal. This playful act evolved into the modern-day tradition of smearing colors on loved ones, symbolizing love, unity, and inclusivity.

Holi 2025 in Nepal: When and Where to Celebrate?

Holi in Nepal is celebrated over two days, following the traditional Hindu lunar calendar:

• March 13, 2025 (Thursday) – Hilly Regions: The Holi celebrations kick off in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and other high-altitude areas on this day.
• March 14, 2025 (Friday) – Terai Region: The Terai plains, including Janakpur, Birgunj, and Lumbini, celebrate Holi a day later with their unique cultural flavor.

For an unforgettable Holi experience, the best places to celebrate are:

• Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu – A lively cultural hotspot filled with locals and tourists dancing to music and throwing colors.
• Thamel, Kathmandu – The center of vibrant Holi parties, featuring DJ performances, live music, and social gatherings.
• Lakeside, Pokhara – A mesmerizing Holi celebration by the beautiful Fewa Lake, where travelers and locals unite in a carnival of colors.
• Janakpur & Lumbini – Traditional Holi celebrations deeply embedded in Hindu customs and spirituality.

How is Holi Celebrated in Nepal?

Holi in Nepal is a festival full of energy, excitement, and togetherness. The streets turn into an explosion of colors as people come together to enjoy various festivities, including:

• Color-Throwing Extravaganza: People apply powdered colors (abir) on each other’s faces, toss vibrant hues in the air, and splash water balloons (lolas).
• Water Fights: Buckets of water and water guns make the celebration even more thrilling!
• Music and Dance Festivals: Throughout Kathmandu and Pokhara, lively music festivals and DJ parties keep the Holi spirit alive.
• Bonfires on Holika Dahan Night: A grand bonfire is lit on the night before Holi, symbolizing the defeat of negativity and evil.
• Traditional Delicacies: Holi is incomplete without special festive treats like gujiya (sweet dumplings), bhang lassi (a traditional cannabis-infused drink), and sel roti (a sweet rice bread popular in Nepal).

Tips for a Fun and Safe Holi in Nepal

To ensure a memorable and safe Holi experience, keep these tips in mind:

1. Wear White or Light-Colored Clothes – These make the colorful splashes stand out beautifully!
2. Use Natural Colors – Opt for organic powders to protect your skin and the environment.
3. Protect Your Eyes and Hair – Wearing sunglasses and applying oil to your hair helps prevent damage.
4. Stay Hydrated – Holi can be intense, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
5. Keep Valuables Safe – Carry a waterproof pouch to protect your phone, camera, and other essentials.
6. Respect Boundaries – Play Holi joyfully and ensure mutual consent before applying colors to others.
7. Plan Your Transport – Streets can get chaotic, so arrange your transportation in advance.

Why Celebrate Holi with Kabru Adventure Holidays?

With Kabru Adventure Holidays, you don’t just witness Holi—you experience it in the most exciting and immersive way possible! Here’s why you should book your Holi trip with us:

• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable local guides take you to the best Holi hotspots while ensuring your safety and comfort.
• Exclusive VIP Events: Gain access to private Holi parties for an exclusive and enjoyable experience.
• Seamless Travel Arrangements: From airport pickups to accommodations and festival insights, we take care of everything.
• Combine Holi with Adventure: Why stop at Holi? Extend your trip with trekking, jungle safaris, or cultural tours for a complete Nepal experience.

Plan Your Holi Trip with Us!

 

 

Maha Shivaratri 2025 at Pashupatinath – A Divine Celebration with Kabru Adventure Holidays

Maha Shivaratri 2025 was an unforgettable experience at Pashupatinath Temple, where thousands of devotees, sadhus, and spiritual seekers gathered to honor Lord Shiva. As one of the most significant Hindu festivals, this sacred occasion brought vibrant energy, deep devotion, and mesmerizing rituals to Nepal’s holiest Shiva temple. Kabru Adventure Holidays had the privilege of organizing a remarkable tour, ensuring our guests immersed themselves in the spiritual and cultural essence of this grand festival.

From the early hours of the morning until late at night, the atmosphere at Pashupatinath was electric with devotion. The temple premises were filled with the rhythmic sounds of mantra chanting, bhajans (devotional songs), and the ringing of temple bells, creating an aura of divine energy. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense, blending with the glow of thousands of oil lamps illuminating the temple courtyards.

One of the highlights of Maha Shivaratri is the gathering of sadhus (Hindu ascetics), who travel from across Nepal and India to be part of this spiritual event. Their presence, with their ash-covered bodies, matted hair, and deep meditative practices, added to the mystical charm of the festival. Many sadhus performed special yogic postures, fire rituals, and spiritual discourses, drawing the attention of visitors and devotees alike.

As part of our exclusive Maha Shivaratri Photography Tour, our guests had front-row access to the most captivating moments of the festival. From the sacred abhishekam (holy bath ritual) of Lord Shiva’s lingam to the mesmerizing evening aarti, every moment was an opportunity to capture the profound spirituality and cultural depth of the celebration.

Many of our guests described this tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where they not only witnessed an extraordinary festival but also felt deeply connected to Nepal’s spiritual heritage. Maha Shivaratri 2025 at Pashupatinath was truly a journey of faith, devotion, and cultural exploration, and we at Kabru Adventure Holidays are honored to have made it an unforgettable experience for our travelers.

An Unparalleled Spiritual and Cultural Experience

This year’s Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath Temple was a spectacle of devotion and mysticism. The temple complex came alive with:

• Sacred Rituals & Prayers: Thousands of devotees performed special pujas, abhishekams (holy baths), and offerings to Lord Shiva, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion.
• Sadhu Gatherings: The festival saw an incredible presence of sadhus and yogis from Nepal and India, engaging in meditation, chanting, and unique spiritual practices.
• Night-long Celebrations: The air resonated with the sounds of bhajans, mantra chanting, and spiritual discourses, making the entire night a divine experience.
• Festive Atmosphere: The temple premises were illuminated with oil lamps, incense-filled air, and the rhythmic sounds of damaru (small drums) and conch shells.

A Successful Maha Shivaratri Photography Tour

Kabru Adventure Holidays successfully hosted an exclusive Maha Shivaratri Photography Tour 2025, capturing the festival’s profound spirituality and vibrant cultural elements. Our guests, including professional and enthusiast photographers, had the best opportunity to document:

• The majestic rituals at Pashupatinath Temple, from early morning prayers to grand evening aartis.
• The iconic sadhus, with their distinct appearances, ash-covered bodies, and deep meditative states.
• The energy of the devotees, showcasing moments of faith, devotion, and celebration.
• The stunning night-time atmosphere, where flickering oil lamps and temple lights created breathtaking visuals.

Our guided tour provided unique access to the best locations and insights into the festival’s traditions, ensuring our guests had an enriching experience. Many of them shared that this was one of the most profound and rewarding photography journeys they had ever undertaken.

Looking Forward to More Remarkable Festivals

With Maha Shivaratri 2025 successfully celebrated, Kabru Adventure Holidays remains committed to offering incredible cultural and spiritual experiences across Nepal. Whether it’s festivals like Holi,  indra jatra, Indra , machindranath jatra or Chhath Parva, we continue to create immersive tours that bring travelers closer to Nepal’s rich heritage.

If you missed this year’s Maha Shivaratri, stay connected with us for upcoming photography tours, cultural experiences, and spiritual journeys in Nepal.

For more details on future tours, contact Kabru Adventure Holidays today!