Sikali Jatra Festival in Khokana: A Dashain-Free Tradition in Lalitpur

28th September 2025, Kathmandu

While most of Nepal is immersed in Dashain celebrations, the people of Khokana in Lalitpur remain uniquely devoted to their centuries-old Sikali Jatra, a vibrant festival honoring Goddess Rudrayani.

Sikali Jatra Festival Khokana

Known as the village that does not celebrate Dashain, Khokana observes this five-day cultural and religious celebration with ritual dances, tantric worship, and grand processions.

Beginning with Ritual Sacrifice

Sikali Jatra begins on the third day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin (the day after Ghatasthapana) with the ritual sacrifice of a buffalo in front of Rudrayani School. The festival is celebrated in Khokana, Ward No. 21 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

Rituals and Processions

The highlight of the festival occurs on the fifth day (Panchami), with the Khat Jatra, where the deity Rudrayani is placed on a wooden chariot and worshipped. On the sixth day (Shashthi), 16 performers wearing masks of various deities, accompanied by 46 musicians, parade through the village.

Local tradition also involves young boys collecting offerings while circumambulating the village, which are then used for worship at the Sikali Ground.

Dances of the Deities

Sikali Jatra showcases ritual dances of several Hindu deities, including Rudrayani, Bhairav, Kumari, Ganesh, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahadev, Indrayani, Barahi, Chamunda Kali, Mahalaxmi, Kumar, Hanuman, and Shakti Kumar.

The dances take place after tantric rituals inside the temple, where the deities are worshipped in the forms of Virbhadra and Mahakali before being brought outside. These performances remain the main attraction of the festival, drawing both locals and visitors to Khokana.

A Distinct Cultural Identity

Unlike the rest of Nepal, which celebrates Dashain as the biggest festival of the year, Khokana has preserved its identity with Sikali Jatra. The festival is managed by different Guthis (traditional organizations), who are entrusted with specific roles such as dance, rituals, and music.

This unique tradition reflects Khokana’s rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s diverse religious practices.

For more: Sikali Jatra Festival Khokana