The Role of Newar Community for Preserving Chandeshwori Jatra in Tokha, Nepal

Tokha Chandeshwori is situated in the bordering regions of wards 2 and 3 within the Tokha Municipality of the Kathmandu district in the Bagmati Province of Nepal. The inhabitants of this area enthusiastically celebrate a multitude of vibrant festivals and Jatras, including Nepal Sambat, Buddha Jayanti, Dashain, Tihar, Yomaripunhi, Gaijatra, Chaite Dashain, Sakamulipunhi, Balchaturdashi, BisketJatra, Indra Jatra, and more, on auspicious occasions. Among these, the Chandeshwori Jatra stands out as an extraordinary intangible cultural heritage and a prominent festive tourism attraction in Tokha. This Jatra is celebrated twice a year under different names, each featuring distinct rites and rituals. One of these occasions is Sakamulipunhi, which is a smaller Jatra culminating on the day of Balchaturdashi. The other is Bisket Jatra, which begins on the final day of the last Nepali month and concludes on the fourth day of the month of Baishakh. The Bisket Jatra is especially captivating, featuring eight chariots parading through the streets, the melodious sounds of Newari instruments, and the convergence of people from various parts of the Kathmandu Valley, including tourists who come to witness this grand festival. This famous Jatra is considered an integral part of Tokha's identity and a popular cultural tourism product for the region. This study aims to delve into various aspects associated with this festival, including its historical significance, the materials and methods involved, customs and customary laws, the intricate processes and processions, and most importantly, the role played by the Newar Community in preserving this cherished Jatra. The research has utilized both primary and secondary sources of data and information. Primary data have been gathered through observations, interviews, and focus group discussions, while secondary information has been derived from an extensive literature review.