Sindoor Jatra

Introduction

Sindoor Jatra:
A very energetic and joyful celebration held in Thimi, a suburb of Kathmandu, during the Biska Jatra, which marks the Nepali New Year.

How do people in Thimi celebrate Sindoor Jatra?

The name Sindoor means the red vermilion powder, and this festival is well known for people throwing the red powder happily into the air and at each other. The streets are painted red, making the scene lively and picturesque. The highlight of Sindoor Jatra is the chariot procession of various deities, particularly Balkumari. People pull the chariots in the streets while people dance, sing and celebrate. Local Newari culture, music, drums, and traditional instruments all add to the ambience. Different neighbourhoods of Thimi have different teams, and a sense of community identity and connection is evident. Everyone dresses up, eats traditional food, and dances with all the fun, excitement and sometimes chaos.

Sindoor Jatra is also significant religiously because it represents blessings, protection and the arrival of a new year with goodwill and joy.

During the festival, these foods are shared among family, friends, and neighbors, adding to the festive mood. The combination of colorful celebrations, music, and rich traditional cuisine makes Sindoor Jatra a very lively cultural experience.

• Samay Baji
• Choila
• Chatamari
• Bara
• Aila
• Thwon

Sindoor Jatra in Thimi is celebrated for 3 days.

1. Day 1: Start of Celebration & Preparations
2. Day 2: Main Sindoor Jatra (Most Important Day)
3. Day 3: Closing Rituals & Community Gathering