Chariot making in full swing for Bhaktapur’s Biska Jatra

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 24: With the festive fever of the famous Biska: Jatra of Bhaktapur approaching, preparations for building the wooden chariots of Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali are moving ahead in full swing.

The essential wooden work for constructing the chariots of Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali began on January 16. The actual construction of the chariots will commence on March 26, with the different parts being assembled, said Khima Oli, head of Guthi Sansthan, Bhaktapur.

Oli further informed that work is underway to prepare timber of various sizes for making the chariots and their wheels, as well as repairing damaged parts. Both new and old timber will be used to build the pagoda-style chariots. The Bhairavnath Chariot will be taller than the Bhadrakali Chariot, she said.

She further added, “To pull the chariots, we have instructed the contractor to bring two long, strong ropes.”

She also informed that a budget of Rs. 4 million has been allocated for Biska: Jatra this year, covering all expenses, including puja rituals, chariot construction and the purchase of ropes.

Two 55-hand-long wooden poles have already been brought from the Sallaghari forest in Chittol, Suryabinayak Municipality-10. A 55-hand-tall lingo with a wide base, resembling a winnowing fan, is required for the Jatra, she said. 

Among the two poles, one will be erected by the Prajapati community at Pottery Square on the last day of the Chaitra month.

After the wooden pole is raised, the Lingo Jatra will be celebrated in Lysinkhel to mark the beginning of the Nepali New Year on Baishakh 1, and the pole will be pulled down in the evening on the same day.

Although a single lingo is used in the Jatra, there is a possibility of it breaking, so a backup lingo is always brought. If the primary lingo remains intact, the extra one will be used in the following year.

Earlier, adhering to the tradition of Malla era, the pole was transported manually by people. However, in recent years, a dozer has been used for this purpose, as per the contract issued by the Guthi Sansthan Office.

She said that two lingos were brought after the Bisket Jatra Support Committee awarded the tender for its transportation.

A contract worth Rs. 348,000 has been awarded to transport the lingo. This year, work has also begun on making new wheels for both the Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali chariots.

The nine-day festival will commence from April 10 to April 18, featuring the grand procession of the Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali chariots, marking the arrival of spring and spanning eight nights and nine days.