Written by: Pratik Dangol - 27009, Grade IX
Posted on: 17 January, 2024
Guheshwori Jatra is one of the popular jatras celebrated in the Pashupati area of the Kathmandu Valley. This two-day-long jatra has many important beliefs within the devotees. It is not only a moment of joy in the Pashupati area but all over Kathmandu city. For the jatra, the Guheshwori area is also decorated with lighting that enhances the joy in the jatra.
Guheshwori Jatra is all about showing respect to the goddess Guheshwori. Guheshwori is one of the most powerful Ajimas of the Kathmandu valley, also known for her protective and nurturing qualities. The festival starts with the Newar community performing traditional ceremonies like prayers and offerings. They do this to ask for the goddess's blessings and wish for the good health and happiness of the community.
On the 1st day of the jatra, the goddess is brought in a chariot from Taleju Bhawani located at Basantapur with different ceremonies and different bajas like Dhime baja and Nya khin Baja that make the jatra more enhancing. Before entering the chariot inside the Temple Premises, the lingoo is set up outside the temple. After that, different offerings are done the next day, and the chariot is lifted around 7 pm the next day after all offerings are completed. There, in the temple, samay baji is also given as prasad to all the devotees who came to the jatra. The special part of the jatra is that Gurju paltan comes to take the chariot from Guheshwori Temple to Taleju Bhawani. Not only that, but bajas of different groups like Dathu tole, Srijanshil, Chabahil, Kutubahal, Mitrapark, Guheswori, etc., make the jatra more enhancing and fun.
After the gunshots from Gurju paltan, the chariot is officially lifted and is taken around the temple at first, which has its own religious importance. After that, the chariot is taken outside of the temple and kept outside. Then, after the lingoo is dropped down, the chariot is taken to the next side of the Bagmati river, crossing it. After that, the chariot is taken to Basantapur, going through Gaurighat, Pashupati, Jayabageshwori, Nawali tole, etc., where different offerings are done by the locals. There, in Basantapur, the jatra officially ends again with the gunshots from Gurju Paltan. At last, the samay baji is also given in Basantapur.
In conclusion, the Guheshwori jatra creates a moment of happiness with the devotees who come to worship the goddess. This jatra is very important according to the beliefs and rituals in the Newar community of the Kathmandu valley.
