# Bisket Jatra: Bhaktapur's New Year Chariot Festival _Published 11 September 2026_ Every April, the medieval city of [Bhaktapur](/places/bhaktapur) welcomes the Nepali New Year with **Bisket Jatra**, one of the most exciting festivals in the Kathmandu Valley. **Quick answer:** Bisket Jatra is a festival of about **nine days** around the **Nepali New Year in mid-April**. Huge chariots carrying the gods Bhairav and Bhadrakali are pulled through the streets in a **tug-of-war** between the upper and lower parts of the city, and a tall wooden pole (the lingo) is raised and then **felled** to mark the new year. ## Highlights - **The chariot tug-of-war:** teams from different neighbourhoods compete to pull the giant chariot of Bhairav towards their side. - **The lingo pole:** a tall pole hung with banners is raised near the river and pulled down at the new year. - **Celebrations in nearby towns:** such as Thimi and Bode, with their own colourful rituals. ## Tips for visitors - The chariot pulling is crowded and energetic; watch from a safe distance or a rooftop. - Keep valuables secure. - Stay overnight in Bhaktapur to enjoy the evening atmosphere; see [hotels in Bhaktapur](/accommodation/hotels-in-patan-and-bhaktapur). See our [Bhaktapur tour](/bhaktapur-half-day-tour), [Bhaktapur guide](/blog/bhaktapur-travel-guide) and [festivals of Nepal](/blog/festivals-of-nepal). ## Bisket Jatra at a glance DetailWhere[Bhaktapur](/places/bhaktapur), with related events in Thimi and nearby townsWhenAround the Nepali New Year (1 Baisakh), usually mid-AprilLengthNine days and eight nightsDeitiesBhairav (Bhairavnath) and the goddess BhadrakaliHighlightsChariot tug-of-war, raising and lowering of the lingo pole, Sindur Jatra in Thimi## The legend of Bisket Several legends explain the festival. One tells of a princess whose husbands kept dying on their wedding nights. A brave prince stayed awake and saw two serpents emerge from her nostrils, which he killed. The serpents are commemorated by the long banners hung from the lingo pole, and the name "Bisket" is often linked to the Newar words for "serpent slaying". Another tradition links the festival to the worship of Bhairav and Bhadrakali, whose chariots are pulled through the city. Whatever its origins, the festival marks the turning of the year and is one of the most exciting events in the Kathmandu Valley. ## The chariot tug-of-war The highlight is the pulling of the huge, three-tiered chariot of **Bhairav** through Bhaktapur's narrow streets. It starts at [Taumadhi Square](/places/nyatapola-temple), beneath the five-storey Nyatapola temple. Men from the upper town (thane) and lower town (kone) grab the thick ropes at either end and pull in opposite directions in a fierce tug-of-war. The side that wins is said to enjoy good fortune for the year. The chariot lurches, sways and sometimes gets stuck for hours, while crowds cheer from the square and rooftops. A smaller chariot carries the goddess Bhadrakali. Eventually the chariots reach Gahiti and continue to Yosinkhel near the river. ## The lingo pole At Yosinkhel, a tall wooden pole called the **yosin** or lingo, about 25 m high, is raised on the eve of the new year, hung with two long banners representing the slain serpents. On New Year's day, crowds pull the pole down, and its fall marks the start of the new year. The moment is dramatic and dangerous, as the pole crashes to the ground among the crowd. ## Sindur Jatra in Thimi On the day after New Year, the nearby town of [Madhyapur Thimi](/places/madhyapur-thimi) celebrates **Sindur Jatra**, a joyous festival in which more than thirty palanquins carrying images of deities are paraded around the town, and participants throw orange-red vermilion powder (sindur) over each other and everyone nearby. The streets turn a brilliant orange. Wear old clothes and protect your camera. In nearby Bode, a man has traditionally had his tongue pierced with a long iron needle and walked around the village carrying a frame of burning torches, a ritual of devotion. ## Visiting Bhaktapur during Bisket - Stay in Bhaktapur for at least one night to experience the evening atmosphere when the old city is lit and crowded. - Book hotels and rooftop cafés overlooking Taumadhi Square early. - Watch the chariot from a safe distance or from a rooftop; crowds surge when the chariot moves, and accidents have happened. - Keep valuables secure in the crowds. - Carry water and sun protection; mid-April can be hot in the afternoon. - The Bhaktapur entry fee for foreign visitors applies during the festival. See [Bhaktapur travel guide](/blog/bhaktapur-travel-guide) and [hotels in Patan and Bhaktapur](/accommodation/hotels-in-patan-and-bhaktapur). ## The Nepali New Year Bisket Jatra coincides with the Nepali New Year (Naya Barsha), the first day of the month of Baisakh in the Bikram Sambat calendar, usually 13 or 14 April. Across Nepal, people celebrate with family gatherings, picnics, concerts and greetings of "Naya barsha ko shubhakamana". It is a public holiday. Spring is warm and flowers are blooming, making it a lovely time to visit the Kathmandu Valley. See [Nepal in April](/blog/nepal-in-april). ## The festival day by day StageWhat happensOpening daysThe Bhairav chariot is assembled at Taumadhi Square; rituals are performed; the first tug-of-war takes placeFollowing daysThe chariots of Bhairav and Bhadrakali are moved through the city, with processions and musicNew Year's eveThe lingo pole is raised at YosinkhelNew Year's dayThe lingo pole is pulled down; celebrations across BhaktapurDay after New YearSindur Jatra in Thimi and festivities in nearby villagesFinal daysThe chariots return to Taumadhi; closing rituals## About Bhaktapur Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees", was the capital of the Kathmandu Valley under the early Malla kings and remained an independent kingdom until 1769. It is the best preserved of the valley's three royal cities, with brick-paved squares, pagoda temples, pottery workshops and courtyards where daily life continues much as it has for centuries. Its main squares include Durbar Square with the 55-Window Palace and Golden Gate, Taumadhi Square with the Nyatapola temple, the tallest pagoda in Nepal, and Dattatreya Square with its woodcarving museum. See [Bhaktapur guide](/blog/bhaktapur-travel-guide). ## Bhaktapur's other festivals Bisket Jatra is the biggest, but Bhaktapur celebrates throughout the year. During **Gai Jatra** in August, the city's procession is famous for its stick dancers and costumes. At Dashain, the Navadurga dancers perform masked dances around the city. In winter, families celebrate **Yomari Punhi** with sweet dumplings. See [Gai Jatra](/blog/gai-jatra-festival) and [festivals of Nepal](/blog/festivals-of-nepal). ## Photography tips The chariot pulling makes dramatic photos, but the crowds are dense and the chariot unpredictable. Shoot from a rooftop or upper floor overlooking Taumadhi Square or the chariot route, using a zoom lens. For Sindur Jatra in Thimi, wrap your camera in a plastic cover and wear clothes you don't mind staining orange. See [photography tips](/blog/himalaya-photography-tips). ## Food during Bisket Jatra Feasting is a big part of the festival. Families invite relatives for traditional Newar meals of beaten rice, buffalo meat dishes, bara, achar, and plenty of aaila and thwon. Street stalls sell snacks, and Bhaktapur's famous **juju dhau** (king of curds) is in high demand. If you are invited to a family feast, it is a great honour; follow your hosts' lead and try a little of everything. See [Newari food](/blog/newari-food-guide). ## Safety in the crowds The chariot tug-of-war attracts huge, enthusiastic crowds, and the heavy chariot can lurch suddenly into onlookers. People have been injured and occasionally killed in past years. Watch from a rooftop, a raised platform or a safe distance, never stand directly in the chariot's path or between the chariot and walls, and keep children close. Avoid the densest crowds after dark. ## Bisket Jatra and the season Bisket Jatra comes at the end of the dry season, when the valley is warm and the first pre-monsoon storms are still weeks away. In the hills, rhododendrons are in bloom, and the spring trekking season is in full swing, so the festival combines well with a trek such as Poon Hill or Langtang. ## Frequently asked questions ### When is Bisket Jatra? Around the Nepali New Year in **mid-April**. ### Where is Bisket Jatra celebrated? In **Bhaktapur**. ### What happens at Bisket Jatra? Chariot tug-of-war and the raising and felling of the lingo pole. ### Is it safe to watch? Yes, from a safe distance; crowds are energetic. ### What is the lingo pole? A tall wooden pole raised at Yosinkhel with banners representing slain serpents; it is pulled down on New Year's day. ### What is Sindur Jatra? A festival in Thimi the day after New Year, when people throw orange vermilion powder and parade deities. ### Who pulls the Bhairav chariot? Men from Bhaktapur's upper and lower towns, in a tug-of-war to decide its direction. ### How long does Bisket Jatra last? Nine days and eight nights around the Nepali New Year. ### Is there an entry fee to Bhaktapur during Bisket? Yes, the usual entry fee for foreign visitors applies. ### What does Bhaktapur mean? "The city of devotees". ### What is the tallest pagoda in Nepal? The five-storey Nyatapola temple in Bhaktapur's Taumadhi Square. ### Has anyone been hurt at Bisket Jatra? Yes, in past years; watch from a safe distance or a rooftop. ### What is juju dhau? Bhaktapur's famous sweet, thick curd, called the "king of curds". ### Where should I stay for Bisket Jatra? In a guesthouse or hotel in Bhaktapur's old town, ideally with a rooftop view; book early. ### Is Bisket Jatra a public holiday? The Nepali New Year on 1 Baisakh is a national public holiday. ### Can I combine Bisket Jatra with a trek? Yes. Mid-April is peak spring trekking season, ideal for Poon Hill, Langtang or Everest. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/bisket-jatra-bhaktapur