Karunāmaya Jātrā - Fusion of cultural intangibilities

Artist: Sushila Singh
Displayed at Kathmandu Art House (KAH)

A Jātrā is a combination and celebration of stories, traditions, myths, legends, folklore, and customs. It is the continuation of centuries-old Sanskriti (culture) and samskara (adornment). One such Jātrā that brings together grand ancestral customs and practices is the Karunāmaya Jātrā.

Many folklores dwell on the origin of the Karunāmaya Jātrā. One lore says the Jatra was started to bring rain during a drought in the valley. Another says this festival is held to protect the people against diseases. People also believe that the Jātrā is carried out so that people throughout the city get the opportunity to worship the deity Karunāmaya when he visits their neighborhood. 

There are two prominent Karunāmaya Jatras celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley; one is Jana Bāhā Dyo Jatra (the White Karunāmaya) in Kathmandu, and the other is Bunga Dyo Jatra (the Red Karunāmaya) in Patan. Karunāmayas are compassionate beings who liberate sentient beings from all kinds of suffering. 

There is a great variety of artistry represented in the Karunāmaya Jātrā. The ornaments, masks, and carvings that adorn the numerous artifacts and objects that form an essential part of the jātrā depict the centurial beliefs, artistic mastery, skills, creativity, and harmony.

Artist: Sushila Singh
Displayed at Kathmandu Art House (KAH)

The chariot is the amalgamation of great divinities such as Bhairava as four wheels, Nāga as the long beam, a guardian in each of the ten directions, Sahasrabhuj Lokesvara in the Torana, Tārās, Vairocana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, Vajrasattva, etc. The triple umbrella (chatra) is surmounted by the Gajur. Images of the sun and the moon are present.

Just as the chariot is formed with many elements, we are also shaped by different elements of our cultures and traditions. They are our representation and we are a representation of them.

In this modern time, the significance of these jātrās has been blurred out, and they now have become a mere source of entertainment. The young generation must realize the rarity of these vibrant festivals and give continuity to them.

The architect of the chariot in which the image of Karunāmaya is paraded around town is quite extraordinary. It is the epitome of divinity and stability. The chariot is created in such a way that it is steadfast, despite the heavy shaking and movement it needs to withstand. There is a belief that the chariot also possesses 32 divine characteristics. It is constructed by adding 365 pieces of wood. People from various Newar communities come together to build the chariot.