For most adventurers planning a visit to Nepal, the country is synonymous of the majestic Himalayas. However, the complete Nepal experience is way beyond just the Himalayas and the capital city of the country is the perfect example of it.
Kathmandu valley is not just the capital city of Nepal but also the cultural heart of it with its rich heritage and vibrant festivals. And the main highlight of the city is the beautiful Jatras of Kathmandu Valley.
The traditional street festivals known as Jatras are a grand celebration of the significant local culture and stand as an integral part of the social and religious fabric of the Kathmandu Valley.
Picture yourself standing in between the enthusiastic crowds of Kathmandu adorned in vibrant costumes, surrounded by a cacophony of music and joyous chants as you witness the towering chariots draped in rich fabrics, and the glint of gold ornaments reflecting the warm sunlight.
This is exactly what a Jatra in Kathmandu valley looks like as these Jatras are no less than the lifeblood of the valley as they hold a deep-rooted cultural significance. So, let’s have a look at some of the famous Jatras of Kathmandu valley.
Historical Background of Jatras
The term ‘Jatra’ is derived from the Newar language of Kathmandu which means festival or procession, and these are more than just celebrations as their roots trace back to centuries ago.
These were each introduced with a special purpose and they are a tapestry woven with threads of faith, tradition, and history which have been continued ever since while displaying a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu.
Believed to have originated in the Malla Period (12th to 18th century), the Jatras were conducted as royal festivities where the royal family would gather to appease gods and goddesses.
Conducted previously for peace, prosperity, and protection of the Kingdom, eventually they turned into community events where the locals would come together and celebrate these Jatras like a grand festival.
Highlighting the rich heritage of Kathmandu Valley, the Newars (indigenous inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley) have wonderfully kept these series of captivating Jatras alive.
While each Jatra has its own character and significance, the common thing you will find in each one are the elaborate rituals, joyous celebrations, processions, and cultural performance highlighting the rich heritage of Kathmandu Valley.
The Heart of the Jatra
Now that you know the historical significance of these Jatras, let’s delve into what the heart of these Jatras look like. It is not just limited to the captivating visuals, but a rich tapestry of traditions and rituals also unfold during the Jatra.
Every Jatra is dedicated to a specific deity who is being carried in the chariot procession which are the center of attraction adorned with beautiful colors, decorations, and intricate carvings.
Accompanying the procession, you will see a group of locals playing rhythmic music on traditional instruments like drums, cymbals, frame drums, and tambourines.
Along with that, you will hear enthusiastic and joyous chants of the people while masked dances are being performed to depict various deities or mythical creatures and add an aspect of visual storytelling to these celebrations.
The aesthetics at the Jatra are absolutely unmatchable, be it the beautifully adorned chariot or the vibrant costumes worn by the participants which are embellished with feathers, beads, and intricate jewelry.
Religious offerings are a central aspect of most Jatras. Traditional food items like sweets and fruits are presented to the deities, seeking their blessings and expressing gratitude.
Besides these aspects, spirituality and faith of the locals in performing these Jatras to keep their centuries long tradition alive is the heart and soul of the Jatra which makes it so much fascinating as you witness the true joy and the community spirit in people.
Kathmandu’s Most Celebrated Jatras
Indra Jatra
The biggest Jatra of Kathmandu Valley, Indra Jatra (locally known as Yenya Punhi) is the granddaddy of all the Jatras and it celebrated Lord Indra- the King of heaven and the god of rain.
Celebration of this Jatra often marks the end of monsoon season in Nepal and it is held in the month of September or October every year. As per legend, Indra once visited Earth in search for a rare flower for his mother, but was captured by the locals.
This jatra is celebrated to mark his visit and release. You will see a variety of rituals and elaborate chariot processions and masked dance. However, the main attraction of this Jatra is the appearance of goddess Kumari- the living goddess of Nepal.
Marking the beginning of the Jatra, a ceremonial pole called Yosin is erected at Kathmandu Durbar Square. After that, Goddess Kumari is paraded through the streets of the valley in a chariot where she is accompanied by other deities.
Traditional dances like Pulu Kisi (elephant dance) and Lakhey Dance are performed which often turns into a vibrant game like environment. This Jatra is truly an unforgettable spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
Bisket Jatra
Primarily celebrated in Bhaktapur, Bisket Jatra marks the Nepalese New Year and is celebrated in the month of April. There are many myths related to it, but the most popular one is related to the tale of Hindu deity Bhairab and a deadly serpent.
The Bisket Jatra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and it is dedicated to lord Bhairab and goddess Bhadrakali. Massive chariots with the images of both these deities are pulled through the narrow lanes of Bhaktapur by the enthusiastic locals.
A big pole called a lingo is erected during the festival in different areas of Bhaktapur. In this 9-day long festival, two lingos are erected on New Years Day and one lingo is erected during the 4th day of the festival.
A thrilling tug of war also takes place between the upper and lower parts of the town in which the locals enthusiastically participate and pull the chariot with all their strength, in all good and fun manner while adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
Rato Machhindranath Jatra
Marking the commencement of monsoon season in Nepal, the Rato Machhindranath Jatra is the longest chariot festival of Nepal which honors Rato Machhindranath who is the rain bringing god for Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Legends have it that when the Kathmandu Valley was facing a severe drought, Rato Machhindranath was brought into the valley he brought along rain ending the long drought.
During this Jatra, an elaborate chariot procession takes place where a large chariot carries the idol of Rato Machhindranath and it is then pulled from Patan to Bungmati over several weeks.
This jatra features a long route and hence making it the longest Jatra of Nepal. The chariot made during this Jatra is 32 feet tall which is pulled starting from Pulchowk to Jawalakhel.
Another Jatra called Bhoto Jatra is conducted on the final day of this festival to mark its end where a religiously significant vest is displayed to the public and the month long Rato Machhindranath Jatra ends there.
Seto Machhindranath Jatra
The Seto Machhindranath Jatra is a smaller and a white version of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra which is carried out in Kathmandu Valley to worship Seto Machhindranath who is considered a protector against the natural calamities.
A similar chariot procession, but smaller in size, carries the idol of the deity which is then paraded through the streets of Kathmandu valley and various rituals are performed to invoke the blessings and protection of the deity.
The idol is first taken from the Seto Machhindranath temple to Durbar Marg where the procession starts and is pulled through Jamal and Asan where the chariot is rested for the night.
On the next day, it is passed through Indra Chowk and Kathmandu Durbar Square. And on the final day, the procession is taken back to the temple, locally known as Jana Baha Dyo Temple.
This Jatra embodies the deep faith of the Newar community in their deities and fosters a sense of religious harmony and communal strength in the community.
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra or the ‘festival of cows’ is one name in this list which marks a poignant yet heartwarming festival. It is observed to honor the deceased family members in the past year.
This jatra is believed to help the deceased find peace and it also gives a sense of solace to their loved ones and family. During this jatra, children get dressed as cows to symbolize the spirit of the departed and they depict the impermanence of life.
This Jatra is believed to have been started by King Pratap Malla who lost his son Chakravartendra Malla during his teenage years which left the queen deeply saddened. So, he started Gai Jatra to console the queen.
To celebrate Gai Jatra, cows are decorated, and they are led through the streets by the families who have lost a loved one with the belief that the same cows will guide the deceased to a smooth afterlife.
Satirical performances dot the streets where people mock the social and political issues which have been prevalent for a long time which gives out a humorous yet social message along with a somber remembrance of the deceased souls and also marks resilience in the face of loss.
Bhoto Jatra
Bhoto Jatra is celebrated to mark the end of the more elaborate Rato Machhindranath Jatra and it showcases a cultural and religious celebration to highlight the unity of the locals.
The term Bhoto translated to ‘vest’ and this Jatra is a festival of vest. As the name suggests, the main highlight of Bhoto Jatra is the display of a vest to the public.
The festival is associated with the vest adorned with diamonds which was presented to a farmer by a serpent king but was stolen by a Lakhey (a fire burning demon) and the dispute had to be settled by a King.
Then this vest was presented to the deity and every year the vest is displayed to the public on the final day of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra which symbolizes justice and divine protection.
Historically, the King of Nepal would attend this Jatra which made it a much more valuable event. Catching a glimpse of the Bhoto is believed to bring good fortune among the locals.
Ghode Jatra
Held at the central ground of Kathmandu valley- Tundikhel, the Ghode Jatra, ‘festival of horses’, is celebrated around April every year where a grand horse parade organized by the brave Nepal Army is showcased in the ground.
This Jatra is linked to a legend of a demon who was defeated by the gods in the valley, and it is believed that the racing and parade of horses each hear helps to suppress the spirit of the same demon.
Besides the historical and cultural significance of Ghode Jatra, you will also be treated to an immersive display of the horsemanship and the military skills of the Nepal Army. You will also see various traditional dances and performances at Tundikhel during this Jatra.
Significance of the Jatras
These Jatras unique to the Kathmandu valley are not just religious and cultural celebrations, their significance extends way beyond being a festival as they are important to the social fabric of the valley.
The Jatras of Kathmandu Valley bring together people from different backgrounds who are otherwise busy in their own lives, and it fosters a sense of unity and cooperation in them.
The local businesses witness a significant hike throughout the period of Jatras as there is a high influx of visitors, be it locals or tourists. The vibrant colors, cultures, and display of traditions also increase tourism in the valley.
Jatras also provide a big platform for conservation of arts as traditional artists, local craftsmen, and cultural performers can put up a vibrant display of their skills while also keeping the cultural heritage of the valley alive and intact.
A Guide for Travelers
For those wanting to visit one of the Jatras of Kathmandu Valley, some planning is important. First of all, pick the Jatra that you want to visit and do your research on the dates of the Jatra for that given year.
Before going to the Jatra, make sure your appearance is suitable for it as it is extremely important to respect the local culture while visiting such festivals which are deeply rooted in the traditions.
Dress modestly and do not cause any disturbance during the proceedings of the Jatra. Blend in with the locals and enjoy if you can. If you want to know about any specific ritual, inquire politely and the locals will be more than happy to let you in on it.
Remember to immerse yourself in the very soul of Kathmandu Valley and you will be fine. Enjoy your unique cultural experience!
