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/)

“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.

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.

Another cool discovery was the Traif Bike Geshefton on the Williamburg side of bridge. Their address is 99 South 6th Street between Bedford and Berry Street. Please note that they are open on Tue-Sun 10am-12am and only accept cash as a form of payment. If you happen to get a flat they have a pump for you to use BUT they also have a outside vending machine where you can buy a pump, tire repair kits,small u-locks etc Although they no longer rent bikes, if you were to catch a flat, this is the place to go for a repair. For Directions to Traif Bike Gesheft located at 99 South 6th Street click this link

Now that  you’ve walked,run,peddled your way across the Williamsburg bridge, you’re probably ready to grab a bite to eat.

If you’re on the Williamsburg side you have options ranging from Peter Luger  to the Velvet Lounge:

With over 500 artist performing at local venues throughout Brooklyn the Brooklyn Jazz Festival is affordable and accessible so that everyone can and will enjoy.The Brooklyn Jazz Festival features not only local jazz musicians but also international jazz musicians, it’s amazing to see how this once nine-day neighborhood event has evolved into a highly anticipated month-long Brooklyn festival.

This was my first year experiencing the jazz festival but I will say it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the local and international talent that blessed the crowd with their gift of sound, as I sipped on my Cabernet and allowed the smooth groove of the base pull me as the drums vibrated throughout my body. The band was amazing with established world renowned musicians playing locally in my borough, “what a treat”. There was a small $20 cover but no one pushed for a drink minimum. As I left “Two Steps Down” I had forgotten it was a Sun and the work week was resuming soon. If you are in visiting Brooklyn or are a local I’d suggest you check out the Central Jazz Festival 2013.

Festival Dates: March 29th-April 30th

List of events click here

As I write about the Silanfando photography exhibition I am feeling quite nervous as I’m not sure if words can express or if I can articulate appropriately how enchanting each and every photo displayed is. I was pulled into every single image with so many questions running through my mind ie: is this staged, are these models as each photograph was sheer perfection. Lucky for me the artist Jason Florio and his wife Helen Jones-Floro were there and I was able to ask her some of the questions my mind had put together as I was drawn in by the images.

Helen Jones-Flora explained that this journey was made by foot and not one of the images is staged these are actual village people whom they met while walking. Her husband Jason Flora carried a portable back drop on the journey. The people are always dressed very nice so their garments were their local garb. I was curious as to how they were allowed such access as a visitor she said when you visit a village it is customary for the traveler to offer a bag of kola nuts to the village chief as a gesture of respect the village host will show you around and make sure you have a place to stay. Gambia is the smallest country on the African Continent less than 30 miles at it’s widest point but it is very proud country that  keeps their traditions alive.

I want to thank Charlotte Mouquin-Voznesenskiy “Director of Rush Arts Gallery” for brining this photography exhibit to Brooklyn

I will be speaking with the photographer soon so if you have any questions you’d like for me to ask please drop me a note in the box below.

This exhibit is “An Intimately Stimulating Journey On How Isolated Abstract Ideals Converge On A Collision Course To Form The Concrete Tangible”

Artist Elizabeth Knowles, Julian Lorber and Ai Campbell works feature mixed media which translates their abstract interpretation of their world and the natural phenomena occurring in it. Each artist convey their interpretations by using a diverse of mediums,material and methods but all share a commonality in their creative approach of deep exploration of the macro through the lens of the micro and then dissembling it to study the movements and once they have successfully explored the micro each artist unearths their interpretation to then shine light in spiritual,societal and personal phenomena which expressed and articulated through their choice of media.

COLLIDEscope opening reception at Corridor Art Gallery in Brooklyn will be Sun March 24,2013 from 4pm-6pm. The exhibition will be on display March 24-May 4th,2013.

For address please click here.

Rush Arts Gallery:
Rush Arts Gallery was founded by Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons is dedicated to providing a platform for the more progressive/non mainstream artist that in some cases works would not be exhibited in an art gallery do to their non mainstream sometimes even political opinion on social topics. Rush Arts Gallery often holds artist talks as well as poetry readings, which are a great way to not only connect with the art but also with the artist.

Gagosian Gallery:
Gagosian Gallery owned by Larry Gagosian is an international art gallery that features contemporary art as well as modern art. If you’re a lover of Jean Michelle Basquiat or Any Warholl then this will be an art gallery you’ll want to visit while in New York. The staff isn’t friendly  and don’t bother to bring your camera as pictures are prohibited and this is “strictly enforced” but your love of art is what drew you to the Gagosian Gallery and you will definitely be happy you stopped by. Currently showing at the Gagosian Gallery is the works of Jean Michel Basquiat February 7^th-April 6^th.

Michael Mut Gallery:
Michael Mut Gallery is a quaint space offering the best of  contemporary art which most of the time are local artist. Michael Mutt Gallery provides a platform for established artist as well as students who have a message that they want to share. Unlike most galleries Michael Mutt always incorporates his theme of “Love Yourself” in his gallery and always displays positive art.

Brooklyn Museum:
Brooklyn Museum is a must stop destination while visiting New York City. One of the oldest and largest museums in the United States the Brooklyn Museum has the oldest African art acquisitions and is New York City’s second largest art collection with approximately 1.5 million artist works. The museum is a suggested donation venue which makes it affordable all art lovers especially those traveling on a budget. A  must see is “Gravity and Grace” by El Anatsui showing Feb 8^th-Aug 4^th 2013. For a list of all current exhibitions click here.

Corridor Gallery:
Brooklyn based  Corridor Gallery showcase the works of  contemporary artist. Corridor isn’t just gallery  they also serve the Brooklyn community by keeping a dialogue going in regards to art as well as involving local artist as they often accept guest curators. If you’re seeking thought provocking, conversational pieces, that often reference social issues this is a the gallery for you. Corridor is credited for providing a platform for the often muted, non-mainstream artist who needs to be heard.

Dorsey Art Gallery:
Dorsey Art Gallery is the oldest continuously active art gallery in Brooklyn established in 1970 by Lawrence Peter Dorsey. This local Brooklyn jewel “as I like to call it” has made it their mission of promoting artist from the community by hosting exhibitions as well as donation based artist workshops every Wed from 3pm-6pm.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my New York Art Gallery highlights. If you’ve visited any of the galleries or plan on visiting please leave a note in the comment box below!

The Brooklyn Museum:
The Brooklyn Museum invites you to spend an evening of music and art with musicians Charly and Margaux + Flutronix. These two groups play genre-defying music fused with classical roots, which creates a magical contemporary sound. Charly & Margaux are Brooklyn based string composers whose sound has been referred to as baroque,east asian folk and blues. The band Flutronix sound has been described as experimental,contemporary as they often use electronic and digital effects.The show is TODAY March 21st and starts at 7pm. For address please click here.

Parsons The New School For Design:
Parson The New School For Design is holding its 2013 open studios TODAY  March 21st 6pm-9pm. This open studio will showcase the works of  39 International Parsons MFA students. You will get an insight into works in progress as well as the entire creative process behind the pieces. The artist will open their creative space to share works that often extend the boundaries of contemporary cultural expression as well as give you a rare opportunity to ask them questions. This is an informal setting and all art lovers are welcome to attend. For address please click here.

Planning on attending? Drop me a note in the box below I’d love to see you and say hello in person.

If you are traveling to North America now or in the near future, you should try to experience at least one of their famous festivals. You might be wondering which one are worth seeing, because not all festivals are created equally. Lucky for you, we have composed a list of some of the best festivals in North America!

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

New Orleans, Louisiana

Don’t let the name “New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival” fool you- despite having many famous, spectacular jazz musicians at this down home festival, New Orleans jazz festival also has big headliners like Cyndi Lauper, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Buffet just to name a few. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival happens every year from April 26th until May 5th, and offers so much including great music,great food and just an all around great time to be had by all. They also boast a Louisiana Folk-life Village, and a Native American Village where visitors are able to watch craft demonstrations and enjoy traditional local music. Yet none of this even comes close to the amazing food you are able to sample at this festival. Make sure you taste all of the Louisiana favorites like muffuletta, red beans and rice, po’boys, and craw-fish pie. You won’t regret it! Trust me!

California Strawberry Festival

Oxnard, California

If you’re a fan of bright red, juicy strawberries, you have got to make the California Strawberry Festival one of your stops. At the California strawberry festival you will engrossed with all of your favorite strawberry-themed foods, such as: strawberry shortcake, chocolate covered strawberries, or just plain strawberries slathered with whipped cream! Other highlights  from the strawberry festival includes: cooking demonstrations, a “Life of a Strawberry” exhibit, live music, kids area, and locally made arts and crafts. The California strawberry festival runs annually May 18th -May 19th.

Cinco in the Park

Denver, Colorado

Cinco in the Park is a fiesta celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. While many cities have their own Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Denver undoubtedly has one of the biggest and the best. The Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle in which the Mexican town of Puebla overcame the French back in 1862. It is also typically called ‘the day of the dead’ because people of Mexican culture send their dead gifts on this big holiday. The festival itself boasts many things, including (but not limited to): music, dancing, a parade, and a Green Chili Bowl Cook-Off. This festival is held May 4th-May 5th.

Nantucket Daffodil Festival

Nantucket, Massachusetts

The island of Nantucket celebrates each year’s spring thaw with a colorful Nantucket Daffodil Festival which runs annually April 29th through May 1st. An antique car parade in which the vehicles are bedecked with daffodil blooms takes center stage, along with the daffy hat pageant and the daffy dog parade. After a long, hard, snowy Massachusetts winter, the daffodil blooms are a welcomed sight.

Vidalia Onion Festival

Vidalia, Georgia

The Vidalia Onion Festival is Georgia’s official state festival. Vidalia Georgia was named after this delicious onion and holds a festival in it’s honor annually April 18th-April 21 st. A few of the Vidalia Onion festival  festivities you may encounter include: an air show,concert, onion eating contest, the Miss Vidalia Onion pageant, a rodeo, motorcycle rally, and plenty of onion sapling opportunities! A ‘must sample’ is the sweet vidalia onion rings,which will make your mouth water and your stomach beg you for more!

Burning Man Festival

Black Rock Desert, Nevada

This is probably one of the few festivals that almost everyone has heard about, yet it’s not quite that easy to explain. The Burning Man Festival runs from August 26th through September 2nd, and is a celebration of life’s simpler times. It’s a festival that is part art show, and part experiment in self-expression. The festival’s main event is the burning of wooden effigy.

Mardi Gras

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras is a world famous festival that’s really more like a giant, drunken party. This is not for the faint of hearts of for anyone under age eighteen. Mardi Gras is a carnival! Over a million people join together in New Orleans during February to party together,sample creole delicacies, listen to jazz, and admire the numerous loud, inventive outfits worn by paraders and parade-watchers alike.

We’ve shared the festivals you won’t want to miss while in North America. Some are family friendly, and others are party hardy, but all of them are worth the trip. Which ones have you gone to and what did you think? Or which ones do you most want to visit on your North American trip? Let us know in the comments below!

Author Bio: Lisa is a writer for TownBubble.com which recently featured an article about the U.S Cities With The Best Weather. If you have any questions or comments for Lisa, feel free to connect with her @TownBubble on Twitter.

Because Jet Blue is the preferred carrier for Cecily Travels, I felt I had to share with my readers the fabulous flight deals being offered for 48hrs only.You, too, can be a happy jet- setter like me for a fraction of the regular cost.

Jet Blue Break For Spring Fares Starting At $49 “one way” and fares include government taxes and fees as well as unlimited snacks. Yes… I said unlimited snacks!, Jet Blue is one of the only airlines that still offer complimentary snacks (brand-names you recognize and love). If you want something a little more filling, you are able to purchase a light fare (just bring a credit or debit card, as they don’t jet with cash on board).

With this awesome deal only running for 48hrs, I’ll highlight some of some of the places Cecily Travels has visited on jet blue, so when you’re booking you’ll know exactly what treat you’re in for.

Bermuda

Los Angeles California Beaches

Los Angeles California Shopping 

New York City

Boston

I look forward to running into you on a jet-blue flight. Happy Jetting.

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