The Story of Hamro Biska (www.biskajatra.com)

Initially, last year, in 2023 CE (2080 BS), Shyam Shahu Shrestha and I discussed over a cup of coffee while we shared our interest in doing something jointly. Shyam, who lives in Thimi, and I belong to Bode, thought of bringing something unique that would unite our origins, last long, and contribute to society as well. There came the idea of documenting Biska Jatra.

Thinking through, we were like, why make a website for a single festival when there is so much we could do when developing a system for numerous festivals? However, with our limited resources, documenting everything about diversity is impossible. Thus, we both were convinced that what we had and could do should be done, so we made a plan for it.

Before this,?I have published a brochure on the Mepwakhanegu Jatra (Tongue Piercing Festival) of Bode in support of Everything Creatives and De'sign and Print (Suroj Shipai dai).

In 2023, it didn't materialize well despite limited resources and time. We started in early April, just a brief time before Biska Jatra. So, it took some time to develop ideas and plans. We created a logo during our stay at the café for a couple of hours and then ideated a few pieces for the website. Then we stopped, realizing we couldn't launch it this year, so we left it for next year to work further. In the meantime, we secured the domain and commenced social media engagement under "Hamro Biska ". Our goal was to encourage people to embrace this festival, not just the Newars but the entire community?living?in this region. Instead of simply calling it "Jhigu Biska," with "Jhigu" meaning "ours," we aimed to signify it in broader terms.

Next, in early 2024, Shyam and I met and discussed how we wanted to move forward, as we had plenty of time to work around. But despite saying it, our work on other priorities got delayed, and we met again in February. We talked with another friend, Roshit Shrestha ( Ottr Technology ), who is into design and tech. We sought help if his company would help us be part of the initiative to fulfil what we envisioned. After that, Dorjee Lama (CEO) and her entire team came into the picture to pull this off. Our meeting with them at the start of February brought us good sights and relief, and we are finally seeing to dream of the goal.

Why Biska Jatra?

Biska Jatra, a grand festival for the people of Bhaktapur and its neighbouring areas, is steeped in folklore and stories that continue to resonate with us today. It originated in Bhaktapur but has since spread to various cities as people from Bhaktapur migrated. Despite some stories suggesting otherwise, wherever it is celebrated, it is done so with great interest, traditions, and practice.

Our mission to document these festivals and create an online directory where people can easily access all the information they need in one place is significant work. It brings people closer to the rich history of our festivities and serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Today, Biska Jatra is celebrated in Bhaktapur, Thimi, Nagadesh, Bode, Tigani, Lokanthali, Khadpu, Dhulikhel, Nala, Tokha, and more.

This?is only the beginning. The website may only remain relevant for part of the year, but maintaining its online presence all year round enables individuals, from academics to hobbyists, to acquire knowledge and fulfil their desire for learning.

Next step:?The system still lacks a backend, but this is in progress. We will continue to build a similar system for replicating other festivals and trying to spread stories and facts about capturing intangible heritage as "a Digital Heritage Archive"?for Nepal.

We are thankful for the generous support of our supporters, including Manis Prajapati and his team at the Rotaract Club of Madhyapur , Raj Maharjan and his team at Galli Maps , the Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee, Kashyap Shakya , The Newars, and a big applause to the team at Ottr Technology .

On behalf of Shyam Shahu Shrestha and myself,

Thank you!?