Festivals & events
Bisket Jatra and Nepali New Year 2084 (2027): A Visitor's Guide to Bhaktapur
Nepali New Year 2084 falls on 14 April 2027, at the height of Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur. Chariot pulling, the great pole, Sindoor Jatra in Thimi and how to plan your visit.
Published 7 min readFacts checked
Photo: Nrik kiran (opens Wikimedia Commons in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), via Wikimedia Commons
Bisket Jatra 2027 brings Bhaktapur to life around Nepali New Year 2084, which falls on Wednesday 14 April 2027 (Baisakh 1). For about nine days the medieval city pulls giant wooden chariots through its narrow streets, raises a towering ceremonial pole and brings it crashing down to mark the new year. It is one of the most exciting festivals in Nepal, and an easy day trip from Kathmandu.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Nepali New Year | Wednesday 14 April 2027 (Baisakh 1, 2084 BS) |
| Bisket Jatra | About nine days, usually starting four days before New Year (around 10 April 2027) |
| Sindoor Jatra, Thimi | The day after New Year (around 15 April 2027) |
| Where | Bhaktapur, and Thimi nearby |
| From Sacred Trails | About an hour by car, depending on traffic |
Exact festival days are set by local priests and announced closer to the time; the dates above are our best estimate from the calendar. Check with us before you go.
What happens at Bisket Jatra
The chariot of Bhairav
The festival opens when the huge, three-tiered chariot of the god Bhairav is pulled out of Taumadhi Square, next to the Nyatapola temple. Teams from the upper and lower halves of the city then compete in a tug-of-war to drag the chariot to their side. It is loud, physical and joyful. A smaller chariot carries the goddess Bhadrakali.
The lingo pole
A tall wooden pole, the lingo or yosin, hung with long banners, is raised by hand in a field at the edge of the city. On New Year's Day crowds pull it down again, and its fall marks the start of the new year. The moment draws huge crowds; watch from a safe distance.
Sindoor Jatra in Thimi
The day after New Year, the nearby town of Thimi holds Sindoor Jatra. Palanquins carrying local gods are paraded through the streets while crowds throw clouds of orange-red vermilion powder. Like Holi, it is colourful and messy: wear old clothes and protect your camera.
Nepali New Year across the valley
Bikram Sambat, Nepal's official calendar, runs about 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Western one, so 14 April 2027 begins the year 2084. It is a public holiday. Families visit temples, people take short trips and picnics, and there are concerts and events across Kathmandu.
Tips for visiting Bhaktapur during Bisket Jatra
- Foreign visitors pay an entry fee to Bhaktapur's heritage area; keep your ticket for the whole day.
- Stand well back from the chariot when it moves. It can swing suddenly, and crowds surge with it.
- Watch the tug-of-war from a raised step or café terrace if you can.
- Go early in the day for photographs of the squares before the crowds.
- Try juju dhau, Bhaktapur's famous 'king of curds' yoghurt.
- Keep valuables close and agree a meeting point with your group.
Getting there from Budhanilkantha
Bhaktapur is about an hour from our homestay by car, depending on traffic. We can book a driver for the day so you can stay for the evening, when the chariot is often pulled after dark. Bhaktapur also makes a good day trip at any time of year.
Stay for the Nepali New Year
April is warm and bright in Kathmandu and part of the spring trekking season. Sacred Trails has en-suite rooms from $35 a night with breakfast, and our rooftop is a lovely place to end a festival day.
Book direct and offers combine: 5% off stays of 3 nights or more (6% for 7 nights or more), 5% off when you book 14 or more days ahead (6% for 30 or more days), and an extra 1% in big festival months. The booking form adds every offer you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nepali New Year 2084?
Wednesday 14 April 2027, Baisakh 1, 2084 in the Bikram Sambat calendar.
When is Bisket Jatra in 2027?
Bisket Jatra usually starts four days before Nepali New Year and lasts about nine days, so expect it from around 10 April 2027. Exact days are confirmed locally closer to the time.
Where is Bisket Jatra celebrated?
In Bhaktapur, about an hour from Budhanilkantha by car. Sindoor Jatra, the vermilion festival, is held in nearby Thimi the day after New Year.
Is Bisket Jatra safe for visitors?
Yes, if you keep your distance from the moving chariot and the falling pole, and watch from a raised spot when the crowds surge.
Sources
Fees and regulations change. These are the references we checked on 12 November 2026 — confirm current details with the official source before you travel.
