The Bhaktapur district of Kathmandu Valley has started early celebrations to welcome the Nepali New Year with music and festivities. April 14 marks Baisakh 1 on the Nepali calendar for the year 2083 according to the Bikram Sambat calendar, a national holiday in Nepal. Residents of Bhaktapur celebrate the new year by organizing a nine-day-long festival called Bisket Jatra.
Bisket Jatra is a vibrant event filled with cultural performances and celebrations. It begins with parades, music, and dance, as people come together to mark the arrival of the new year. The festival is deeply rooted in tradition and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
The New Year brings joy and hope for the coming year, with people participating in various rituals and festivities. This year’s celebrations are particularly special as they mark a fresh start after challenging times. The nine-day-long Jatra concludes with grand performances and fireworks, signaling the end of the festival.
As April 14 approaches, Bhaktapur gears up to host one of Nepal’s most colorful festivals, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.