Khadga Jatra ritual observed; Effigy of demon king Ravana burnt

Kathmandu / October 23: The time-honoured Khadga Jatra ritual was observed in Purano Bazar, Tokha, today. Tokha is an ancient towk located north of downtown Kathmandu.

This ritual is observed every year on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the Nepali month of Asoj as per the lunar calendar. As part of the festival, a sword is worshipped and covered with bamboo as per the rituals and placed on a wooden palanquin which is then taken around the town in a procession. The procession starts from the local Taleju goddess temple and marches to Tallo Lachhi.

Although the exact date when this ritual started is not known, it is believed to date back to the ancient period. It is on this day every year that this ancient sword is displayed to the public.

Meanwhile, the effigy of demon king Ravana was burnt at Matihani in Mahattori on Thursday night as part of victory of Lord Rama over Ravana on the 10th day of the nine-day Dashain festival.

Before the effigy-burning ceremony, devotees of Rama lights candles and offer prayers to Rama and later they join the celebrations.

They also hold outdoor fairs and large parades with effigies of Ravana, which are burnt on bonfires in the evening. RSS