A Calendar of Celebrations
In Nepal, a
country where the gods are as numerous as the days, the calendar is a vibrant
tapestry of festivals and celebrations. With an astonishing 130 public
holidays, each day in Nepal is under the auspices of divine beings, marking
times auspicious or otherwise for various endeavors.
The Auspicious Cycle of Time
Life in
Nepal is a continuous cycle of festivities, celebrating everything from the
birthdays of gods to the equinoxes, solstices, and significant agricultural
milestones. These events, mostly dictated by the lunar calendar, shift subtly
each year, making every festival unique to its lunar day. This celestial dance
ensures that no year is quite like another.
The Nepalese New Year: Bisket Jatra
April in
Nepal doesn't just signal the blossoming of spring but also heralds the New
Year, known as "Bisket." It coincides with the lunar month
"Baisakh" and is a time when the god Bhairah, the deity of war, is
honored. The epicenter of this celebration is Bhaktapur, a historical town near
Kathmandu, where traditions dating back centuries come alive with fervor and
faith.
The Chariot of the Gods
At the
heart of Bisket Jatra is a monumental chariot, reminiscent of the three-story
Bhairavnath Temple, which houses the statue of Bhairah. By night, this towering
edifice is drawn through the streets by hundreds of devoted men, a tradition
that endures through eight days of ceremonial procession. It's not just a
spectacle but a communal act of devotion and celebration.
Symbols and Rituals of Victory
One of the
most poignant rituals occurs on the fourth day at a wooden pole, a symbol of
triumph and perseverance. The climax of the festival is a dramatic tug-of-war,
culminating in the chariot's fall. This pivotal moment, when the chariot hits
the ground, marks the official beginning of the New Year.
The Festival of Lights: Tihar
In
October-November, Tihar, or the "Festival of Lights," creates a
luminous bridge between India and Nepal. This five-day festivity honors the
victory of Vishnu and the abundance of the goddess Laxmi. Diwali, celebrated on
the third day, turns the night ablaze with countless lamps and candles,
symbolizing both guidance for the gods and gratitude for prosperity.
A Night of Illumination and Merriment
On Diwali,
homes across Nepal are illuminated, inviting divine blessings and celebrating
the triumph of light over darkness. It's a time when gambling, usually
forbidden, is permitted, and children, reminiscent of Western trick-or-treating
traditions, go door to door, singing "Gai Tiharo Bhailo" in exchange
for gifts and treats.
The Uniqueness of Nepalese Festivity
The
Nepalese New Year stands out as a testament to the country's rich cultural and
religious tapestry. It's a time when the spiritual and the celebratory merge,
creating an atmosphere that's as devout as it is vibrant. In the myriad of
small lights of Tihar or the massive chariot of Bisket Jatra, one can witness
the unique spirit of Nepal—a land where every day is a reason to celebrate
faith, victory, and life itself.
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