The Supreme Court has issued an interim order against the decision of the local administration to stop the famous religious Biska (Bisket) Jatra or festival observed in Bhaktapur.
In a preliminary hearing today, the single bench of Justice Purushottam Bhandari issued the interim order, neutralising the decision of the Bhaktapur district administration.
A meeting of the district-level COVID-19 crisis management operation centre chaired by Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Bhattarai had taken a decision to limit the jatra to a mere formality, confined to only pooja by a few people. The decision was taken in wake of the increasing number of COVID-19 infection.
Thousands take part in the festival that involves pulling and pushing a chariot across various allies and streets of historical Bhaktapur. The Bhaktapur municipality had however urged all to observe the Jatra limited to their respective neighbourhood only, by observing the health protocol.
The festival is celebrated every year for eight days and eight nights.
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