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Biska Jatra: Nepal Indulge In New Year Celebration With Chariot Procession

Nepali revelers pull the chariot of Lord Bhairav, marking the beginning of the eight-night, nine-day Biska celebration in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on April 10, 2026. According to folklore, the Biska: Jatra starts the countdown for the Nepali New Year. As one of the popular religious festivals of the Kathmandu Valley, the event begins with the ascension of Lord Bhairav onto a chariot built in front of the Nayatapola temple, the tallest temple in Nepal. The three-story chariot, made of wood in the pagoda style, is pushed and pulled around the settlements with the statues of Bhairavnath and Betal as part of the festival. Two groups of locals engage in a tug-of-war to pull the chariot to either side, a tradition that has been followed for generations. This festival of cultural and historical significance is celebrated for nine days and eight nights. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13557118
Date Taken	10 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Nepali revelers chariot Lord Bhairav Biska celebration Bhaktapur Nepal April 10 2026 folklores Biska: Jatra countdown Nepali new year religious festival Kathmandu Valley Lord Bhairab Nayatapola temple tallest temple three-story chariot wood pagoda style statues Bhairavnath Betal locals show of strength cultural importance historical importance nine days eight nights Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto settlements ascension festival celebration struggle tradition locals.