Bhaktapur, Sept 4: The historic Indra Jatra festival, celebrated as a symbol of rain, good harvest, and cultural heritage, has begun in Bhaktapur from today. The eight-day-long festival holds deep religious and cultural significance, especially among the Newar community.
The festival starts on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi with the installation of a towering wooden pole (lingo) in different parts of Bhaktapur city, symbolizing Lord Indra, the God of Rain. In Nepal Bhasa, the lingo is called Yambo:Dho.
Major attractions of Indra Jatra
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Lakhe Dance (Lakhe Naach) and the traditional Pulu Kisi procession.
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Chariot processions, featuring the grand chariot of Kumari, along with two smaller chariots of Ganesh and Bhairab, pulled through the city streets.
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Worship by the Head of State: Tradition holds that Nepal’s Head of State visits and worships the Living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab during the festival.
Cultural expert Om Dhaubhadel explained that Indra Jatra commemorates the victory of gods over demons to free Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.
Beyond Bhaktapur, the festival is also celebrated in Kavrepalanchowk and Dolakha districts. The main day of Indra Jatra falls on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, the fourth day of the waxing moon in the lunar month of Bhadra. #nepal #indrajatra
