Bisket Jatra (New Year Festival)

About

Bisket Jatra is one of Nepal's most vibrant New Year celebrations, transforming the ancient city of Bhaktapur into a spectacular arena of towering chariots, traditional music, and joyful community gatherings. This multi-day festival offers families an authentic cultural immersion where kids can witness dramatic chariot-pulling competitions, colorful processions, and centuries-old rituals that mark the Nepali New Year. It's a rare opportunity for children to experience living history and participate in celebrations that have been passed down through generations in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What to Expect

Families will experience massive wooden chariots (some reaching 30+ feet high) being pulled through narrow medieval streets by enthusiastic crowds, creating an electric atmosphere. The festival features traditional Newari music, masked dancers, religious ceremonies at ancient temples, and a tug-of-war competition between different neighborhoods. Expect large, energetic crowds, ceremonial rituals including the raising and lowering of a sacred wooden pole (yosin), and a sensory explosion of incense, marigolds, and traditional drums. The main chariot procession on the first day and the dramatic tongue-piercing ceremony are highlights, though the latter may be intense for very young or sensitive children.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching (or briefly helping pull) the massive wooden chariots as they're hauled through ancient streets by hundreds of enthusiastic participants
• The dramatic tug-of-war between eastern and western neighborhoods that determines which chariot moves first
• Exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square's stunning temples, palaces, and courtyards decorated with festival colors and offerings
• Traditional masked dancers and musicians performing centuries-old routines in elaborate costumes
• Sampling special New Year sweets and treats sold by vendors throughout the festival grounds

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive very early (by 7-8 AM) to secure a good viewing spot along the chariot route before massive crowds gather, and consider staying in Bhaktapur the night before to avoid morning traffic from Kathmandu
2. Dress children in bright, distinctive clothing and establish a clear meeting point, as cell service can be unreliable in dense crowds; consider using a child locator device or writing your phone number on their arm
3. Bring ear protection for younger children as the traditional drums and cymbals can be extremely loud, and pack wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and bottled water as facilities are limited
4. Hire a local guide who speaks English to explain the rituals and help navigate the best viewing positions while keeping your family safe in the crowds—this greatly enhances understanding and safety

Best Time to Visit

The first day (Nepali New Year's Eve) offers the most spectacular chariot-pulling action, with early morning to mid-afternoon (8 AM-2 PM) being ideal before crowds become overwhelming and heat intensifies. The second day features the tongue-piercing ceremony and pole-lowering ritual, which is culturally significant but may not be suitable for all children. For families with younger kids, visiting during the early morning of day one provides the best balance of excitement and manageability, while you can retreat before peak afternoon crowds and heat.

Food & Drinks

Numerous street vendors sell traditional Nepali festival foods including sel roti (rice bread rings), samosas, momos (dumplings), and sweet treats like jeri (funnel cakes) and laddus. For kids, momos are usually a safe, familiar choice, along with fresh fruit and packaged snacks available from local shops around the square. Stick to bottled water only and avoid ice in drinks; many cafes around Bhaktapur Durbar Square offer more westernized options like pizza and pasta if needed. The famous Nyatapola Cafe overlooking the square provides a cleaner, sit-down environment perfect for meal breaks with restrooms, though it fills quickly during festival times.

Parking & Access

Bhaktapur is approximately 13 km (8 miles) east of Kathmandu; hiring a private taxi or arranging hotel transport is recommended as parking near the old city center is extremely limited and roads close during the festival. Expect to walk 10-15 minutes from drop-off points to Durbar Square through cobblestone streets that are NOT stroller-friendly—baby carriers are essential. Taxis from Kathmandu cost approximately 1,500-2,500 NPR each way; arrange a pickup time in advance as finding taxis during the festival can be challenging. There is a 500 NPR entrance fee to Bhaktapur Durbar Square area for foreign visitors (children often free or reduced), which grants access to the festival viewing areas.