People worshiping goddess Bajrajogini in occasion of Bajrayogini jatra at Sankhu.

Sankhu — Large numbers of devotees have been gathering in Sankhu to worship the revered goddess Bajrayogini during the annual Bajrayogini Jatra, one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most important cultural and religious festivals.

Observed each year in the months of Chaitra and Baisakh, the festival is celebrated in the historic town of Sankhu and remains deeply rooted in Newar tradition. The multi-day event continues to draw both local residents and visitors who take part in rituals, prayers, and sacred processions with deep devotion.

The jatra is generally observed over around eight days, during which the sacred idols of Goddess Bajrayogini are brought down from the hilltop Bajrayogini Temple and carried through different parts of the town in ceremonial processions.

These processions are regarded as the heart of the festival. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings as the richly adorned idols, decorated with ornaments and traditional attire, are taken through the community. It is widely believed that the goddess blesses the town during this sacred journey.

In local tradition, Goddess Bajrayogini is revered as a powerful tantric deity linked with protection, strength, and spiritual transformation. The temple dedicated to her holds significance for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, reflecting Nepal’s long-standing religious harmony.

The festival also highlights strong community participation. Priests accompany the main idols, while smaller chariots are carried by local residents, including children, symbolizing shared faith and the continuity of tradition across generations.

More than a religious observance, Bajrayogini Jatra represents the rich cultural identity of Sankhu. Traditional music, rituals, and communal gatherings create a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere throughout the town.

Regarded as one of Sankhu’s oldest festivals, Bajrayogini Jatra carries a history that stretches back centuries. Its customs and rituals have continued to be preserved and passed down through generations.

As participation continues to grow each year, Bajrayogini Jatra remains a powerful symbol of Nepal’s living heritage, where faith, tradition, and community are brought together in a meaningful celebration.