Indra Jatra is a week-long festival celebrated in the street of the Kathmandu valley dedicating to the God of Rain, Indra. The festival usually celebrated before the autumn season initiates in Nepal and this festival is also known as Yanya Punhi (Nepal Bhasa).
Every year, Indra Jatra is celebrated for the 8th day initiating the procession from the day of Bhadra Dwadasi to Ashwin Krishna Chaturdasi. i.e from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight. And the festival begins from Basantapur Durbar Square with the erection of a wooden pole(known as Yosin or Linga) made up of pine.
With the support of hundreds of spectators, the pole is raised in front of Durbar square and along with the show off of living Goddess Kumari, the procession follows all the way through the alleys of Kathmandu valley. The chariot that carries the wooden pole and living goddess Kumari is pulled by hundreds of spectators. So, the same festival is also known as Kumari Jatra. Along with the chariot of the Kumari, you will also find the chariots of Ganesh and Bhairav following along.
Also, in the honor of Indra, the masked persons are also known as Lakhey, with the face of deities and demons, perform the dance in the street. This day is also regarded as the day to remember deceased family members.
The celebration of the Indra Jatra festival is started in the 10th century and the Kumari Jatra festival is started in the 18th century.
It is believed that this festival is commemorated as its a time when Indra back down to the land in the human form to look for an herb. Once mother of Indra, order to bring the herb known as Parijat to perform some religious ritual. This type of herb is only available in the land of earth. So, Indra came down to look for the same herb in the face of human. While he was searching for the herb, the locals caught him and tied up by rope. Back then, the statue is build in Maru Tole of Kathmandu and still available to observe
Also, it is the festival started by King Gunakamadeva to commemorate the founding of the Kathmandu, valley.
During the procession, you will also find the face of Akash Bhairava decorated with flowers. It is believed that its, the head of first Kirat King Yalamber. The living Goddess kumari represents the Goddess Taleju, and hundreds of sight-seekers gather to have a look of the revered beautiful Newar Girl who is deified as Kumari.
Especially the Newar community of Kathmandu celebrates this festival. The durbars, temples around the Indra Chowk are decorated by different flowers and lights. People gather here and perform rituals, dance, and sing Bhajans and Hymns. Any sight-seekers who love to explore the Nepali culture and tradition will surely spend a beautiful time in this 8 day.
Since the festival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, we are not sure about the fixed date of this Jatra in Nepal.
