Stock Photo - Masked dancers during the Khokana Jatra (Sikali Jatra) festival at the Khokana Village in Nepal. Khokana Jatra is celebrated as the retelling of the story of triumph of good over evil. In this festival, Goddess Shrikali comes out victorious in the battle against Ashur (devil) who was tormenting humanity alongside Gods and Goddesses. This Jatra is a 12 year cyclic celebration. During this ancient Newari Tantric festival masked dancers possessed with the spirits of the masks of the Gods they wear and drink blood from the throats of freshly slaughtered goats while in a spiritual trance. During this Jatra, chickens and their eggs are totally prohibited to eat. A month before the festival, locals are barred from bathing, wearing leather belts, jackets, shoes, and also forbidden to sing or play songs and watch television within the perimeters of Khokana. - KHOKANA VILLAGE, KATHMANDU VALLEY, NEPAL, 14/12/2011