BHAKTAPUR: The historic Bisket Jatra started in Bhaktapur today, signaling that the New Year as per the Nepali calendar is on the horizon. The annual festival with a tantric significance is believed to have begun in the Lichhavi era. Priest Ganesh Karmacharya offered prayers to Bhairavnath deity following which the deity was worshipped in all streets of the ancient city until 8 am today. The Bhairavnath and Bhadrakali deities will be placed in their respective chariots in the afternoon following different phases of worship and offerings, after which the chariots will be towed by devotees. The Bisket Jatra which starts four days before the Nepali New Year lasts for five more days afterwards. It is hence celebrated for eight nights by the locals of Bhaktapur. The first day will see the chariot of Bhairavnath being pulled by devotees which continues in the coming days. The police administration has tightened the security for the festival. A total of 2,000 security personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) including those in plain clothes will beef up the security, according to Superintendent of Police, Kiran Bajracharya. The intersections within the city have been fitted with CCTVs to watch anyone involving in untoward activities. The chariot's pathway has been punctuated by old houses standing with the support of poles following damages in the massive earthquake of April 25, 2015 – due to which the chariot pulling route has been shortened. Guthi Sansthan Bhaktapur Chief, Leknath Sapkota, said a total of Rs 2.6 million would be spent for the festival. The famous lingo (wooden pole) with the God Indra's flag fluttering at the top end will be erected on April 12 and felled next day. It is believed that witnessing the Jatra, which is also called Satruhanta Jatra, will rid one of enemies.