Hadigaun celebrates Narayan Jatra
Summary
Locals in Hadigaun celebrated the traditional Narayan Jatra, a centuries-old festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu and known for its upside-down chariots. The procession through Hadigaun, Bishalnagar and Gahanapokhari remains a distinctive part of Kathmandu Valley’s living cultural heritage.
Key Points
- Hadigaun locals celebrated the annual Narayan Jatra on Tuesday, continuing a long-standing indigenous tradition dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- The festival is known for its unusual wheel-less chariots, or khats, which are carried through Hadigaun, Bishalnagar and Gahanapokhari with their pinnacles positioned upside down.
- Historical records link the festival to guthi land support and say it began during the reign of King Narendra Malla.
- The celebration remains an important expression of Newar cultural identity and community participation despite rapid urbanisation in Kathmandu.
