One of the most interesting features of the Jatra (Festival) of Nepal is how some of these festivals are celebrated with twice the enthusiasm every 12 years. Known as the “barha barsey ”, in each 12-year interval, the jatras are celebrated for longer periods, with more excitement and more devotees gathering together.This year was also the 12-year interval for the Nardevi Jatra.The procession was celebrated in tribute to the Goddess of the Nardevi temple, Shwetkali Ajima or Nyeta Bhulu Ajima. The temple is located in close proximity to Basantapur and Thamel in Kathmandu. This 12-year jatra is observed by performing traditional and tantric dances by masked devotees.
The procession moves from Devighar to Asan, moving from Jaisidewal and finally ending up at Nardevi. At Nardevi, a dance performance depicting the goddess is also performed in the dabli (raised open space functioning as a stage used for tantric dances) located in front of the temple of the goddess. This festival is observed to pray for the security and protection of the people by the Goddess Nardevi.
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