Editorial photo #12841930 Religion and Belief

Hadigaun Jatra: A Unique Festival In Nepal Where The Chariot Of Hindu God Is Turned Upside Down That Too Without Wheels

Nepali Hindu devotees spin the upside-down chariot of the Hindu god Satyanarayan during the ancient Hadigaun festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 8, 2025. This unique festival is an age-old tradition, and as they say, ''Kahi Nabhako Jaatra Hadigaun Maa'' (there is no parade like the ones in Handigaun). Hadigaun in Kathmandu is well known for its unique jatras (parades) and cultures. This annual jatra begins on the second day of Dashain and ends on the last night of Dashain. Unlike the chariots in any other jatras, Satyanarayan Jatra has three chariots without wheels. The devotees carry the chariots on their shoulders. The chariots make the shape of an inverted umbrella on the top, consist of idols of various gods on the top, and have the pinnacle at the bottom. Each khat is rotated in a clockwise direction by a man sitting at its base while the chariots make a round of Hadigaun. The jatra is believed to invite protection and prosperity to the local inhabitants. The chariots are then left on the streets for the worshippers to pray and are gradually dismantled to be taken out next year, once the rounds are completed. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)