eQmk'/, @ a}zfv -/f;;_ M dWok'/lyld gu/kflnsf af]8]df x/]s jif{sf] a}zfv @ ut] dgfOg] ljZj k|l;4 lha|f] 5]8g] hfqfÚ df o;jif{ klxnf] k6s lha|f] 5]8fPsf af]8]sf @& jifL{o ;'hg afu >]i7 . tl:j/ M /d]z lu/L, /f;;
On the occasion of the eight-night, nine-day Bisket Jatra, a handless ceremonial lingo (pole) was erected early this morning at Kumale Tole in Pottery Square, Bhaktapur.
As per tradition observed every year on the last day of Chaitra, the handless lingo is ritually worshipped and raised at Kumale Tole. This lingo will be brought down on the final day of the festival, on Baisakh 5.
After the morning ritual in Kumale Tole, idols of Bhairav and Bhadrakali are worshipped, and their chariot is pulled to Bhelukhel ground. In the evening, a 55-hand-long lingo symbolizing the serpent pair (Nag-Nagin), prepared through tantric rituals and known as the Indradhwaja, is erected at Bhelukhel. This is famously known as the world-renowned Lingo Jatra. This lingo, unlike the morning one, will be ceremonially pulled down on Baisakh 1 after a full day of celebrations.
Similarly, another lingo was raised this morning in front of the Mahalaxmi Temple Bode in Bode, Madhyapur Thimi-8, in the presence of Mayor Surendra Shrestha and local representatives.
According to local resident Dil Krishna Prajapati, once the lingo is raised in front of the Mahalaxmi Temple, the formal beginning of festivals and fairs in Thimi area starts, including temple gatherings and community feasts. He stated that raising the lingo here also marks the auspicious timing for the famous tongue-piercing festival.
Today, the chariot of Kumari will be taken to Lahitole. At around 9 PM, firewood brought from the Nilbarahi forest will be lit for worship. Following this ritual, 28-year-old Sujan Wang Shrestha will begin a strict fast in preparation for the traditional tongue-piercing ceremony that will take place on Baisakh 2.
During the fasting period, he must abstain from eating, speaking to or touching women, and touching animals such as dogs, chickens, and cats, as per tradition.
During Bisket Jatra in Madhyapur Thimi, locals also celebrate Sindoor Jatra, Bishnubeer Jatra, the nighttime Chanheshya Jatra, and Siddhikali Jatra with great enthusiasm.
About the Author
