Traditional Sindur Jatra Celebrated in Madhyapur Thimi

Kathmandu. Today, the Suthasiya, or morning festival, was celebrated in Madhyapur Thimi. Known as the Sindur Jatra, this festival is observed by the residents of Madhyapur Thimi on the occasion of Bisket Jatra. From early morning, residents carried palanquins of deities from various neighborhoods, paraded them, and brought 26 palanquins of deities to the Balkumari Temple premises. They celebrated Suthasiya with great joy, dancing to the rhythm of Dhime and Musya instruments, smearing vermilion powder, and circling the Balkumari temple.

In this festival, which is unique to Thimi, there is a tradition of smearing vermilion on each other, dancing to local music including Dhime, and carrying 32 palanquins to Balkumari while holding torches. However, in recent years, only 26 palanquins have participated in the procession.

This morning, the palanquins of Balkumari and Kalika, also known as Balakhu, were taken out of the Balkumari temple. Since Monday, the palanquins of Bishnu Bir and Dakshin Barahi had also been kept in the temple. The festival began after the palanquin of Siddhikali was brought in and entered the Balkumari temple along with its attendants.

Once the procession started, the Pamas (priests) carried torches in their hands and, with the permission of the Naike Pradhan, lifted the Balkumari palanquin to circumambulate the deity house located at Digutol. Similarly, the festival was celebrated by bringing the palanquins of other deities, including Bishnu Bir and Siddhikali.