Biska Jatra

The Biska Jatra (or Bisket Jatra) is a vibrant nine-day solar New Year festival celebrated across Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi, famously marking the symbolic "killing of the serpents" and the triumph of good over evil. Unlike lunar festivals, it kicks off every April in a raw explosion of energy, starting with an intense, neighborhood-wide tug-of-war pulling a massive three-tiered wooden chariot of Lord Bhairab through Bhaktapur's ancient squares. The festival's most iconic highlights include the raising and dramatic felling of a 55-cubit-tall ceremonial pole (Yosin), the visually spectacular Sindoor Jatra in Thimi where townspeople carry divine chariots through clouds of orange vermilion powder, and a harrowing tongue-piercing ritual in Bode, making it one of the most culturally fierce and visually stunning expressions of Newari heritage in the valley.