Bisket Jatra Thimi

बिस्का जात्रा थिमि

View on map
MusicMadhyapur Thimi
DatesDates TBA · Usually JulyCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsUnlike most Nepalese festivals, Biska is
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NPR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Bisket Jatra Thimi in Madhyapur Thimi

Bisket Jatra in Thimi, part of the wider Biska New Year festivities centered on Bhaktapur, marks the solar new year in mid-April using the Hindu solar calendar rather than the lunar Nepal Era calendar most Newar festivals follow. Thimi's version is best known for its Ganesh chariot processions and the sindoor jatra, a vermillion-throwing celebration considered the town's most iconic festival moment.

Biska Jatra takes its name from a term whose meaning has been debated for generations.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike most Nepalese festivals, Biska is calculated by the solar calendar, tying it to Vaisakhi and the astronomical new year rather than a lunar date, which keeps its timing fixed each April rather than shifting

02

The mystery stays covered

Though Bhaktapur hosts the festival's largest and best known events, including a massive chariot and a ceremonial tug-of-war between the city's eastern and western halves, Thimi and surrounding towns such as Bode, Nagadesh, Dhapasi and Tokha, all former parts of the historic Kingdom of Bhaktapur, each maintain their own distinct version

03

The city starts moving

Thimi's contribution centers on multiple neighborhood Ganesh chariots converging near Bal Kumari temple, followed by the sindoor throwing that has become the town's signature event within the broader Biska calendar

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Biska's name is popularly linked to a Newar phrase meaning the serpent is killed

Water and renewal

Living ritual

tied to a local legend involving two serpents whose death is commemorated with a long banner displayed on a wooden pole

The sacred route

Living ritual

though linguistic scholarship traces the name instead to a Classical Newar term for the solar new year banner itself

The local code

Living ritual

Thimi's sindoor throwing developed as this town's distinct contribution to the shared Biska calendar

Tradition 5

Living ritual

alongside Bhaktapur's Bhairava chariot and tug-of-war traditions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually July

Getting around

Plan routes around set times, late-night exits, and crowded transport after headline acts.

What to wear

Wear clothing you do not mind staining with red vermillion powder, ideally older or inexpensive garments. Comfortable, closed shoes are useful given the crowd density and the amount of...

Safety

Bisket Jatra Thimi is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Madhyapur Thimi you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

NPR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map27.68 N, 85.39 EOpen in Google Maps

Madhyapur Thimi, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Nearest airportKTM — Tribhuvan
TransportPlan routes around set times, late-night exits, and crowded transport after headline acts.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Madhyapur Thimi you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Madhyapur Thimi via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Madhyapur Thimi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearWear clothing you do not mind staining with red vermillion powder, ideally older or inexpensive garments. Comfortable, closed shoes are useful given the crowd density and the amount of powder and liquid color on the ground.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nepal and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Bisket Jatra Thimi?

Bisket Jatra Thimi is listed for Past edition: 15 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Bisket Jatra Thimi take place?

The festival is listed in Madhyapur Thimi, Nepal. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Madhyapur Thimi, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually July
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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