The renowned Sindoor Jatra featuring 32 chariots was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Madhyapur Thimi during the Bisket festival. Among the various processions observed here, the Sindoor Jatra with 32 chariots is especially famous.
The main deities are placed on chariots and taken around the town with the beats of traditional Dhime drums and the lighting of oil lamps. As the procession reaches every square, intersection, home, and neighborhood, residents welcome it by throwing vermilion powder and showering flowers from windows, balconies, and rooftops.
During the procession, traditional instruments such as Kaya Baja, Bhusya Baja, and Dhime Baja are played while devotees move the chariots and joyfully smear vermilion on one another, which is why the festival is called Sindoor Jatra.
Residents of Thimi celebrate with excitement as the chariot of Balkumari Temple Thimi is taken around different parts of the town. Participants apply and splash vermilion on each other in a friendly spirit and dance to the rhythm of Newari traditional music throughout the journey.
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