Kathmandu, September 23
Indra Jatra, one of Kathmandu Valley’s major traditional festivals, has begun at Basantapur Durbar Square with the ceremonial erection of the Indradhwaja, a sacred wooden pole, in front of Hanumandhoka.
The pole is traditionally erected on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra, marking the beginning of the eight-day festival.
The ritual is known as Indradhwajotthan. A religious ceremony is performed at the base of the pole, where Bhairav is worshipped.
Indra Jatra is traditionally associated with the celebration of victory after defeating enemies. It is also regarded as a festival centred on worshipping Indradhwaja to invoke and demonstrate strength.
The festival features various traditional dances, chariot processions and worship of deities over eight days.
A major attraction of the festival is the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari, along with Ganesh and Bhairav. The President traditionally attends the procession from the Gaddi Baithak at Hanumandhoka.
Various traditional dances are performed throughout the festival, including Bhakku, Mahakali, Lakhe and Dashavatar. Pulukisi, a dance representing Airavata, the elephant believed to be the vehicle of the Hindu god Indra, is also performed.
The festival concludes with Indradhwaja Patan, the ceremonial lowering of the sacred pole, on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin, eight days after it is erected.
Indra Jatra is primarily celebrated by the Newar community and is observed with various traditional ceremonies and festivities in Kathmandu as well as Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and Dolakha.
