Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra is one of the most thrilling and culturally rich festivals of the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley. It usually falls in September and ushers in the autumn festival season.

On the first day, a long ceremonial wooden pole is erected in front of the old royal palace at Hanuman Dhoka, in order to propitiate Indra, the god of rain. The raising of the pole is a major event, drawing crowds at the Palace Square, dancers in masks can be seen dancing around the courtyard to celeberate Indra’s visit.

On the third day, the Kumari, the Living Goddess, is carried through the city in a procession through the main streets of Kathmandu. Over the course of the festival, three chariots for Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav, travel through Kathmandu’s streets.

Each night, temples and shrines around Durbar Square are lit with oil wicks, and performances depict the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu on the platform infront of the temple of living goddess Kumari. The image of Akash Bhairab is displayed facing his temple at Indra Chowk.

In the afternoon of the day before the full moon, ecstatic mobs gather near Hanuman Dhoka Palace for the long-awaited Living Goddess’ chariot procession to catch a glimpse of the revered little Newari girl who has been deified as Kumari representing Goddess Taleju.

The festival concludes with the lowering of the pole bearing Indra’s flag, amid ceremonies and public participation.