Kathmandu, October 27
There is a popular Nepali saying, “Kahin nabhayeko jatra Handigaunma,” which roughly translates to “A festival found nowhere else takes place in Handigaun.” The festival is now underway in Handigaun, Kathmandu.
The festival is celebrated for three days, beginning the day after Kojagrat Purnima. It is distinct from other festivals in Kathmandu, starting with a procession of three chariots lined up in a row. The chariots are built with their pinnacles positioned at the bottom and the sanctum housing the deity’s idol placed above them.
The sanctum containing the deity is vigorously rotated from below. Fragrant wax flowers are also made and placed on the chariots. Locals say the festival is known as “a festival found nowhere else” because of these distinctive rituals.
As the three chariots are taken around the town, local residents worship them and welcome the procession. The fragrant wax flowers used to decorate the chariots fall as the chariot pinnacles are rotated, drawing crowds of people eager to collect them. The flowers are believed to help ease the pain of women experiencing labour when they smell them.
