Nyeku Jatra Matya: Lalitpur completes final preparations

The historic Nyeku Jatra and Matya festival in Lalitpur Metropolitan City is set to commence, with final preparations now complete. This unique cultural event, involving offerings to nearly two thousand deities throughout the city’s streets and intersections, will feature traditional offerings such as incense, lamps, camphor, money, and sweets.

A press conference on Thursday by the Nyeku Jatra Matya Central Committee, Area no. 10, Nakbahil, announced the completion of preparations and outlined the event’s details.

This year’s Matya, falling on Wednesday, August 21, will coincide with Bhadra Krishna Dwritiya and Tritiya. Participants will follow a traditional route around the city’s four Ashoka stupas, visiting Buddhist religious sites, temples, chaityas, and other landmarks in approximately 12 hours.

The festival will begin at 4 AM, with devotees gathering at Nakbahil. Bajracharya priests will lead the procession, which concludes with the neighborhood leader proffering traditional offerings of rice, money, sweets, and others. Lord Shiva’s presence is traditionally believed to be part of the procession. The festival is inclusive, allowing anyone to participate, especially those in mourning due to a family member’s death.

Traditionally held the day after Gai Jatra, the festival commemorates Lord Buddha’s victory over the four Mar (Skandamar, Mrityamar, Devputramar, Kleshamar, Abhisanskamar)—obstacles that tried to disturb his meditation.