A priest resting before the start of Shikali Jatra. Shikali Jatra is celebrated by a section of the ethnic Newar community living in Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern part of Kathmandu valley. The villagers, though practicing Hindus, do not celebrate Dashain. In place of Dashain they observe the colourful Shikali Jatra. The five-day long festival is dedicated to goddess Shikali also known as ‘Ajima’ or mother goddess.