Chandeshwori Jatra (चण्डेश्वरी जात्रा) is a prominent festival celebrated in the Kavrepalanchowk district of

Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...

, particularly in the town of Banepa. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess

Chandeshwori Chandeshwori Temple, nestled in Banepa approximately 25 kilometers east of central Kathmandu, is renowned for its impressive three-tiered temple, which was last rebuilt in the 17th century. This sacred site is dedicated to Chandeshwori, one of t ...

, also known as

Parvati Parvati (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, pɑɾʋət̪iː/), also known as Uma (, , IPA: Sanskrit phonology, /ʊmɑː/) and Gauri (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, gə͡ʊɾiː/), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the Devi, ...

, the festival spans three days, commencing on the first full moon day of the Nepali lunar calendar,

Baisakh Purnima Vesak (; Sanskrit: '), also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Visak Bochea and Buddha Day, is a holiday traditionally observed by Buddhists in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as in Tibet and Mongolia. It is among the most impor ...

. The festival is renowned for its vibrant chariot procession, Mata Puja (worship of the goddess), and Kalan Daan (offerings).

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Chandeshwori Jatra commemorates the victory of the goddess over the demon Chandasur. According to legend, Chandasur became a menace to the world after receiving a boon from

Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...

that made him invincible except by women. The gods, seeking assistance, turned to the mother goddess residing near Banepa. In a fierce battle, the goddess emerged victorious, slaying Chandasur with her trident. This legend is depicted in murals within the Chandeshwori Temple, a three-tiered pagoda-style structure located in Banepa.

Festival Observances

The festival unfolds over three days:

Chariot Procession

The first day features a grand procession where the idol of Goddess

is paraded through the streets of Banepa in a chariot, accompanied by traditional music and dance.

Mata Puja

On the second day, devotees engage in Mata Puja, a ritualistic worship of the goddess, seeking her blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Kalan Daan

The final day is marked by Kalan Daan, where devotees offer various items to the goddess, including sacrifices, as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.

Connection with Buddha Jayanti

Interestingly, the Chandeshwori Jatra often coincides with

Buddha Jayanti Buddha's Birthday or Buddha Day (also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Buddha Pournami) is a primarily Buddhist festival that is celebrated in most of South, Southeast and East Asia, commemorating the birth of the prince Siddhartha ...

, the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Despite occurring on the same date, there is no direct connection between the two festivals. This overlap highlights the rich tapestry of cultural and religious observances in Nepal.

Role of the Newar Community

The

Newar Newar (; , endonym: Newa; , Pracalit script: ), or Nepami, are primarily inhabitants in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and its surrounding areas, and the creators of its historic heritage and civilisation. Page 15. Newars are a distinct linguisti ...

community plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Chandeshwori Jatra. Their active participation in organizing and conducting the festival ensures the continuity of this cultural heritage, reflecting the community's dedication to maintaining traditional practices.

References

External links

* Festivals in Nepal Kavrepalanchok District {{reli-festival-stub