Tigani Biska Jatra

A Celebration of Neelbarahi

Every year during Biska Jatra, the Neelbarahi deity’s khat (palanquin) is adorned and carried around the city with much excitement. People of all ages from kids to elders, join in the festivities with joy.

Neelbarahi Khat is on its way to Saraswatikhel, located on the other side of Tigani. Photo: Bikram Thapa Shrestha, Neelbarahi Photo Studio.

The Biska Jatra begins during Holi Purnima, where in the late evening, the Neelbarahi deity is taken around Tigani in a palanquin. Previously, it used to be exchanged with Siddhiganesh and taken to Nagadesh, then back to their respective cities. On the first day of Baishakh, at 8 PM, the Biska Jatra starts, as Banisiya Jatra (बहनीसिया जात्रा). The Neelbarahi Khat is paraded through Tigani to Saraswatikhel and back to Ta:Dhi (त:धिं) tole at Tigani. The next day, at 11 AM, the deity is carried again to Saraswatikhel and parades back to Tigani, marking the end of the Biska Jatra for that year.