Ceremonial pole erected in Bhaktapur as part of Biska Jatra celebrations

KATHMANDU: The ceremonial pole (lingo) was erected in Bhaktapur on Monday as part of the Biska Jatra celebrations to usher in the New Year 2083 BS.

The festival, celebrated for nine days and eight nights, has been attracting both domestic and international visitors to the historic city. Observed as a major cultural event by the Newar community, the festival blends religious rituals, historical traditions, and communal festivities.

The erection of the lingo on the eve of the New Year at its Lyasingkhel and its subsequent pulling down on the first day of Baisakh is considered the central attraction of the festival. The ritual symbolizes the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one.

Biska Jatra also features the chariot procession of Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali, along with various traditional ceremonies performed across different parts of the city.