Nepali community transforms London park into vibrant Biska Jatra celebration

Dartford’s Central Park, an open-air theatre usually filled with British crowds, was taken over by the Nepali community on Sunday (April 19). The scenic park was transformed into a vibrant display of Newar art and culture.

Women dressed in hakupatasi, nyapusi khā:, tayo, shawls, silver necklaces, earrings, anklets, and velvet shoes added a distinct charm to the atmosphere. Men dressed in daura suruwal, coats, and black topi also contributed to the elegance of the celebration.

In the background, the sounds of dhimay, dha: baja, and flute melodies echoed throughout the venue.

Organised by Pasa Puchah Guthi UK in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in London, the ‘London Biska Jatra’ held on Sunday, April 19, concluded successfully, offering a glimpse of Bhaktapur in the heart of London.

According to organisers, the park, with a capacity of 2,500, hosted nearly 2,800 attendees. Many had to return as tickets were sold out.

This was the third time the famous Lichhavi-era Biska Jatra, a cultural and historical festival of Bhaktapur, was celebrated in the United Kingdom. The first edition was held in London in 2022, followed by the second in 2024.

A chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali, both built in the UK, was taken out, and the festival concluded with the symbolic crashing of the two chariots. The yosin (lingo) was also erected. After worshipping Lord Ganesh, processions carrying Balkumari khā:, Siddikali khā:, Vishnu Bir khā:, and Dakshina Barahi khā: were taken around.

Another major highlight of the festival was the sindur jatra.

Performances of Bhairav gana nach, Gorkhali takatuke nach, and dhime nach added further attraction to the celebration. Musical instruments such as nay khin, khin, ponga, and mridanga were also played during the event.

Mrs Nepal UK 2017 from Pokhara, Aastha Joshi Bataju, who participated in the festival, said she was able to witness in the UK what she had not experienced even while in Nepal.

“What I liked most was seeing non-Newar communities, including Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Chhetri, and Bahun, along with children, showing great enthusiasm. I found that they have a strong interest in Newar art and culture,” she says.

Chief guest, Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi, said that the role played by Pasa Pucha Guthi UK in preserving and promoting Newar art and culture in the UK was highly commendable. He also expressed confidence that such activities help pass on indigenous culture and traditions to the next generation.

Representatives from Nepal, including Madhyapur Thimi Mayor Surendra Shrestha, heritage conservation activist Yadav Lal Kayastha, cultural heritage activist Ravi Shakya, and architect Sunis Kumar Lakhe, also attended the event.

Mayor Shrestha praised the Nepali community in the UK for preserving their art, culture, attire, and traditions even while living abroad.

Pasa Puchah Guthi UK BOT Chair Sushil Prajapati expressed gratitude to all involved, saying the festival was successful after six months of preparation. He said the aim was to internationalise Newar art and culture through the Biska Jatra.

Participants enjoyed traditional Newari cuisine and commercial stalls throughout the day.

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