Newar Community in Portugal Celebrates Biska Jatra Festival

The Newar community in Portugal marked the celebration of Biska Jatra, a traditional festival originally observed in Bhaktapur, Nepal, with a special cultural event held in Lisbon on Tuesday.

Organized by Newa: Khala Portugal, a community-based organization in Lisbon, the festival featured rituals and cultural activities in line with Newari traditions. A ceremonial worship of deity Bhairav was performed, and participants received tika, dhwaja (ceremonial flags), and samaybaji – a traditional Newari food offering regarded as a blessing from Bhairav.

The event also highlighted traditional Nepali and Newari cuisine and featured cultural displays that showcased the rich heritage of Newari art and customs. Members of the community gathered to exchange greetings on the occasion of Biska Jatra Nakha and celebrate the arrival of the Nepali New Year 2082.

Coordinator of Newa: Khala Portugal, Amrit Ratna Shakya, said the celebration aimed to preserve and promote Newari language, culture, religion, and traditions among the diaspora community abroad.