Bisket Jatra
Bisket Jatra or Navavarsha is an annual event in Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi, Dhapasi and Tokha in Nepal.[1] This festival is celebrated during start of Bikram Sambat New year. According to myth this celebration is the "festival after the death of the serpent". Different part of Bhaktapur city celebrate this festival according to own ritual. Most happening place during festival is Bhaktapur darbar square (Khwopa Layeku), Thimi Balkumari, Bode, etc. In Bhaktapur durbar square, a huge chariot carrying a statue of the god Bhairava is pulled by hundreds of people to the Khalna Tole. Approximately a month ago, the chariot is assembled near Nyatapole temple (five stair temple). Most spectacular event on Bhaktapur durbar square is a huge tug of war between eastern and western part of town. Each team try to pull to their side but later the chariot is headed toward Khalna Tole. A huge approximately 25 meters Yoh si (lingo) is erected in the stone called yoni(a female genital) base. In the evening of New Year, the Yoh si is pulled down as the New Year is officially commences.
Another part of Bhaktapur called Balkumari Thimi has very spectacular color festival (Sindur Jatra). Different part of Madhyapur Thimi gather with carrying own chariot in Layeku Thimi. People celebrate and share greeting throwing simrik color powder playing Newari Dhime music.
A place called Bode has a tongue piercing ceremony. One of a resident spend whole day with iron spike piercing in his tongue and roams different part of city by carrying multiple fire torch on shoulder. Juju Bhai Shrestha is the most renown and frequent tongue pierced person in Bode town.