Bisket Jatra Tales from Nepali New Year
Bisket Jatra is an annual festival celebrated in the town of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is celebrated during the Nepalese New Year.
Guest Writer: Sai Karthik
There is a popular folklore about the origin of the Nepali bisket jatra festival. Legend dates it back to when King Shiva Deva of Lichchhavi Dynasty was ruling Bhaktapur Nepal. A tantric named Shekhar Acharya had an amazing power with which he could transform himself into any animal he wanted. One day his wife wanted to see him in the form of a serpent Though the tantric was reluctant and knew his wife would panic seeing him in the form of a serpent, he fell to her demands. Before he turned himself into a serpent he warned her that in order to return to his original form, his wife had to throw some rice grains on him. Then he changed himself into a huge python. On seeing the sight, his wife lost her nerve and put the rice grains in her mouth. By this act, she also turned into a python.
Now, there was only one way that the tantric and his wife could return back to the human form. Only the king knew the mantras to convert them back to their original. Therefore, the couple, in the form of pythons, kept gazing at the palace everyday hoping that the king would notice them. Time went by, but no one took notice of them. Frustrated, the serpent couple committed suicide in despair.
The death of Shekhar Acharya and his wife brought famine and disease to the country. Not knowing what to do, the king summoned his courtiers to get the help of the only tantric in the area, Shekhar Acharya, and find a solution to this calamity. Upon not finding Shekhar Acharya and his wife, everyone was shocked by their sudden disappearance Eventually, when the king discovered how the couple committed suicide while trapped in the form of pythons, he ordered his men to hoist two long cloth flags which resembled serpents from a long wooden pole (known as lingo) in honor of the couple. Since then, the flags have been hoisted every year from the long wooden poles and the annual Bisket Jatra Nepali New Year celebration is held.
Find out the other story of Bisket Jatra. (http://www.romancingtheplanet.com/affair-bisket-jatra/)
Brooklyn Museum El Anatsui Monumental Works
Brooklyn Museum presents El Anatsui Monumental Works.
“Art is something that pulls me in and makes me want to touch even though there are huge signs as well as security guards advising other wise, but if I get the urge to touch, that means I have connected with the pieces and that is what art is to me.” Cecily Witcher
El Anatsui and his “Monumetal” works as I would’ve named it pulled me and made me want to be one with the exhibition. Born in Ghana El Anatsui was formally trained at The College of Art in Kumasi Ghana. El Anastui transforms found materials such as metal bottle caps into a type of media that can often be described as sculpture and even a painting but in all actuality they are found metal or even wood that creates the illusion of a painting or sculpture. This is El Anatsui’s first time presenting a solo show in a New York Museum. I feel honored that the Brooklyn Museum brought a great talent to my borough to share not only with the locals but with everyone including our guest visiting from other countries. With over 30 metal works you will be awe-struck as to how El Anatsui is able to produce such beauty out of metal bottle tops.
El Anatsui Monumental Works will be on display at the Brooklyn Museum Feb 8th-August 4th 2013. This is an exhibit that you will want to see and definitely pack your camera as pictures are allowed.
If you’ve seen El Anatsui’s work or are planning to visit the Brooklyn Museum please leave me a comment in the box below as I’d love to hear what your take on the exhibition is.
New York City Tourist Guide to the Williamsburg Bridge
A great way to really see New York City and get some beautiful views and camera shots is to walk across the Williamsburg Bridge. The Williamsburg bridge is 1.2 miles long and can be entered from Manhattan at Delancy and Clinton Streets. If you are coming from Brooklyn, you have two entrances: the first entrance is on the corner of South 5th Street and South 5th place “South 5th Place. (South 5th Place is between Driggs Ave and Roebling Street). The second entrance is located on Bedford Ave between South 5th and South 6th Streets. Please note that one side of the bridge is designated for bikes and the other side is designated for walkers. You will see signage that will up that will let you know if you’re on the right side. This is a beautiful walk that you and the entire family will truly enjoy.
If you are feeling like you want to rent a bike, I recommend Landmark Bike Rental Shop located on the Brooklyn Side of the bridge. If you would like to rent a bike for 24hrs the cost is $35. For a complete price list call (347)799-2116 address and contact info click the link. 
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