Sikali 12 Barse Jatra
The festival of Rudrayani which is popularly known as
the “Sikali Jatra” at Patan, Lalitpur, Nepal. Feb 1st, 2024.
Shikali Jatra is celebrated by a section of the ethnic Newar community living in Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern part of Kathmandu valley.
Shikali also known as ‘Ajima’ or mother goddess. Masked dances following tantric rituals are performed by dancers garbed in colourful attires during the festival. The dancers represent 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon
The procession, led by Newar priests wearing their white ritual costumes, sees the participation of devotees from Khokana and other parts of Kathmandu valley.
Teaser of Festival by ©MERTZ CREATION
Though now Khokana seems like just another sleepy farming village, it was once regarded as a modern neighborhood. It owns the distinction of being the first place in Nepal to get electricity in 1911 AD, during the reign of Chandra Shamshere Rana. The village is known for the production of mustard oil and its traditional oil pressers.
