Banepa: The historical Chandeshwori Jatra officially began in Banepa of Kavrepalanchowk district on Sunday. Considered the largest festival in the district, Chandeshwori Jatra is believed to have been observed for approximately 2,500 years, particularly by the Newar community.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the festival is celebrated from the full moon of the Nepali month of Baisakh as per the lunar calendar and lasts for three days. The Chandeshwori Temple, an ancient structure dedicated to Goddess Chandeshwori, one of the Nava Durga, is currently adorned with lights and flowers.
The festival’s customs include offering animal sacrifices and distributing the meat as offerings to the crowd of devotees, explained Manisha Bhochibhoya, a local resident. The festival also features ‘Sarkari Puja’ and ‘Mat Puja’ (also known as Chirag Puja). On the second day, a chariot procession with Goddess Chandeshwori takes place.
The festival commemorates the triumph over the demon Chandasur. Locals worship at the temple located northeast of Banepa city, marking the festival’s beginning. They also indulge in delicacies later at night as part of the celebration.
Elderly individuals singing hymns every morning and evening throughout the festival is another attraction. Rajchandra Shrestha noted that this aspect draws significant numbers of devotees and onlookers who wish to enjoy the devotional music.
Schools and social organizations in and around Banepa remain closed throughout the festival to allow for widespread participation.