Residents of Madhyapur Thimi Celebrate Vibrant Sindoor Jatra

Bhaktapur. A sea of people, their faces and bodies painted red with vermilion powder, filled the streets. Groups carrying flaming torches led the procession, followed by musicians playing traditional Dhime and Musya instruments. Residents of Madhyapur Thimi, ranging from children and youth to the elderly, celebrated the grand 'Suthasiya' or morning festival today, carrying palanquins of their local deities through the neighborhoods while joyfully playing with vermilion.

As part of the Bisket Jatra celebrations, residents carried palanquins of deities from various neighborhoods to the Balkumari Temple courtyard. They circled the temple, dancing to the rhythm of Dhime and Musya music, and showering each other with vermilion in a display of great enthusiasm.

Traditionally, 32 palanquins are brought to the Balkumari area for this festival, which is unique to Thimi. However, in recent years, 26 palanquins have been participating in the procession. The event involves carrying lit torches and dancing to traditional music while smearing vermilion on one another.

The festival began early this morning as the palanquins of Balkumari and Kalika (Balakhu) were brought out of the Balkumari Temple. Palanquins of Siddhikali, Bishnuveer, and Dakshin Barahi were also part of the procession, which officially commenced after the Siddhikali palanquin entered the Balkumari premises.

Following the permission of the local leader, the palanquins were carried through the Digutol area. The festival is celebrated across various locations, including 23 in Thimi, one in Nagadesh, seven in Bode, and one in Tigani. Key deities leading the processions include Balkumari, Dakshin Barahi, Bishnuveer, Siddhikali, Siddhiganesh, Mahalaxmi, and Neel Barahi.

As the procession passes through streets and squares, residents welcome the deities by showering flowers and vermilion from windows and rooftops. Due to the widespread use of vermilion, the event has also become known as 'Sindoor Jatra' in recent years.

The festival follows ancient traditions, including a ritual where various deities block the entrance to the Layaku Palace to prevent the deities from entering. The procession continues through various shrines before concluding.

The morning festival is expected to last until midday, after which preparations will begin for the tongue-piercing festival in Bode, scheduled for 2:00 PM.