Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma
8th October 2025, Kathmandu
In an extraordinary display of faith and unique tradition, the annual Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma was recently celebrated in Kathmandu.
Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma
Literally meaning “a festival found nowhere else, only in Hadigaun,” this 3-day event is an identity marker for the historic town.
This festival, also widely known as the Satyanarayan Jatra, commences the day after Kojagrat Purnima. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
Locals actively preserve this ancient custom, passing the rituals from one generation to the next.
A Sacred Reversal: The Inverted Chariot
The most distinguishing characteristic of the Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra is its chariot design. Unlike traditional Nepalese chariots where the spire, or Gajur, rests on the top, here an inverted design is used.
The divine spire is deliberately placed at the bottom, and the deities’ idols are installed above. This symbolic reversal sets the festival apart. It embodies the phrase “Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma.”
Three main chariots, known as khats, become the centerpiece of the festival. These chariots are carried by devotees, not pulled with wheels.
They represent a triple deity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswora. Some locals, however, interpret the three khats differently.
They believe the chariots symbolize the woman, her husband, and their child from the founding legend. The devotees lift and parade the chariots.
They circulate the locality three times, a practice meant to invite protection and prosperity to the town’s residents. During these rounds, the chariots themselves are constantly rotated clockwise by a man seated at their base.
Ancient Origins and Divine Legend
The origins of the Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra are deeply rooted in mythology. Historians and cultural experts largely believe the festival dates back to the ancient Licchavi era. A compelling legend explains the festival’s creation.
The legend revolves around an encounter between Lord Narayana (Vishnu) and a local woman in labor. The pregnant woman, in immense pain, called out for her mother.
Lord Narayana, disguised as a human, advised her to chant his name instead to ease her suffering. The woman, not recognizing the deity, became annoyed and rudely dismissed the stranger.
Feeling insulted, Narayana left for the Himalayas. The woman could not give birth for the next twelve agonizing years due to his curse.
The distressed villagers sought out Lord Narayana to beg for her forgiveness and help. The deity initially refused to return.
A clever villager, however, promised to celebrate a truly unique and magnificent festival, one found nowhere else in the world, if he agreed to return.
The Lord accepted the challenge and was so pleased with the resulting jatra that he lifted the curse. The woman was finally able to give birth to a baby boy, who, due to the delay, was born with a mustache.
The annual festival, the Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma, is therefore celebrated to this day. It is an act of atonement and a plea for divine favor.
Rare Rituals and Offerings
The festival’s unique nature extends to its rituals and sacred components. The preparations are meticulous and begin a few days before the main event.
A rare, specially prepared wax flower called Si Swah is an essential offering. This delicate flower is a must for the ceremonies. Priests prepare these flowers and other offerings.
They collect these materials from the nearby Shivapuri hills. They are then offered to the deity idols, which are placed atop the inverted chariots.
Another rare practice involves the use of water sourced from a single, specific well. This well is designated only for the purposes of the Satyanarayan Jatra rituals.
This adherence to tradition highlights the profound cultural significance of the event. The use of this exclusive well water underscores the purity and sacredness maintained throughout the three-day celebration.
Connecting Past to Present
The three-day festival begins after Kojagrat Purnima. This marks the end of Dashain. The locals actively take part in the celebrations.
Music, dancing, feasting, and reverence fill the air of Hadigaun. The centuries-old tradition connects the ancient Licchavi era with the present day.
It ensures a vital piece of Nepal Culture survives modern urbanization. The Hadigaun Jatra is a testament to the community’s devotion.
It is also an open invitation to witness a living historical and spiritual spectacle. The entire event is a vibrant, moving museum of faith and folklore.
For more: Kahi Nabhaeko Jatra Hadigaunma