Jatra is Nepali word for “Festival“. Whereas, in #Nepal, all across this #Himalayan nation, one can experience various festivals through out the year. Be it highland Himalayas or low plains adjoining India. Livelihood in Nepal is filled with the Jatras, as people work to live and then live to enjoy. Such as in Nepal, people here feel alive and enjoyment with participation in various Jatras that happens in regular intervals.
Swiss Geologist @ToniHagen have remarked Nepal to be melting pot of Asian Civilizations, why? Cause, culturally Nepal is mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism. Nepal alone has 126 various ethnic groups for a country with a size of Greece.
The rush of people, wanting to touch the statue and chariots of the Gods that have come to bestow fortune and wellness to the world. And, armies of the national guard trying to secure the Gods. The presence of state in protecting and promoting festival have definitely become the promoter of such festival. Many times, head of the state Monarchs, now the President reside over the festivals inauguration and main ceremony.
Honestly, #Animalsacrifice is a common thing during the festivities, which has been an international issue especially the sacrifice during Gadhimai festival in the southern plains of Nepal. State promoted animal sacrifice still continue till during #Dashain, the largely celebrated festival in Nepal. Many festivals start with offering of blood to Gods and Goddesses. That’s too gruesome in the civilized era but the newer generation can never refrain from the customs of Powerful Jatra.
The capital, Kathmandu has to offer the best Jatra experience in Nepal. Also, some rustic vibes outside kathmandu towards Tarwar Naach (Sword Dance) in the Western Nepal and Tibetan Bon Festival in the lap of #Everest, i.e. Namche Bazaar.
Celerbaration vibes of festivities every month of even half month with waxing and the waning moon and that entitles the power force to work.
Every Jatra has unique food to be made. During, Janai Purnima it’s Kwati(Bean Soup) time, Yomari Punhi is itself a food festival dedicated to steamed sweet dishes and such lists goes on. As, Nepal was and is an agriculture country, the celebration during the Jatras occupy special significance of food.
Nepali people are known for the resillience and enduring lot of patience. The regular political agitation since last 100 years, natural devastation as annual floods and #earthquakes have shattered the people economically and emotionally. Despite all these the holiness and happiness seen in Jatras of Nepal, is the most powerful feeling.
With all odds, the dedication towards continuing the practice of worshiping the deities and celebrating #Jatras will continue to time immortal.
The article was featured on two national portals of Nepal links as below: