Festival in Nepal – Indra Jatra 

22nd August 2021

1st September

13th September 2019

Indra is considered the Lord of Rain and the King of heaven. Jatra means procession in Nepali. Indra Jatra is a day to celebrate him. This festival takes place in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Some say this is a day to thank Lord Indra for the rain during the monsoon. While according to others, this festival is to honour Bhairav, another manifestation of Shiva, in a destructive form.

When is Indra Jatra celebrated?

It is a festival that goes on for eight days. It begins from the day of Bhadra Dwadasi to Ashwin Chaturdasi on the lunar calendar annually.

How is Indra Jatra observed?

The celebration starts with a carnival-like atmosphere. A ceremonial pole is known as the Yasingh Linga, accompanied by the rare presentation of Akash Bhairav, which is depicted with a large mask that spouts Jaar and rakshi (local liquors). Newari and other families display images and figures of Indra and Bhairav.

The Yasingh Linga is a thirty-six-foot high wooden pole chosen carefully from the Nala forest of Kavre district east of Kathmandu. According to the local faith, Indra received this flag for protection from Lord Vishnu.

Eventually, the living goddess – Kumari leaves the sanctity of her temple in a palanquin, leading a procession through the streets of Kathmandu t thank the rain god, Indra. The festival’s main highlight is the parade of masked dancers who represent the deities along with demons and chariots. The Newari name for Indra is Yanya. Another remarkable thing to witness is the local liquor known as jaad flowing from the statue of Bhairav. This occurs at the Hanuman Dhoka, a part of Bansantapur, Nepal’s 10 World Heritage sites.

The procession consists of:

• Ganesh (Chariot)

• Kumar (Chariot)

• Kumari (Chariot)

• Majipa Lakhey

• Sawan Bhaku

• Pulukishi

Additionally, various dances are held on the open stages called dabu in the city. The statue of Swet Bhairav and other deities of the Basantpur Durbar Square are displayed.