The vibrant celebration of Indra Jatra, one of the most significant festivals in Kathmandu Valley, commenced today with the traditional raising of the Indradhwaja (Indra’s flag) at the Basantapur Durbar Square. The ceremony took place in front of the Kal Bhairav statue, following the age-old tradition observed every year on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi.
Shaileshraj Kunwar, an administrator from the Guthi Sansthan, informed that the Indradhwaja raising was performed this morning with proper rituals. Indra Jatra will be celebrated with various events for eight days across the capital.
The main day of the festival, marked by the Kumari Jatra, will be celebrated on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, during which a public holiday is traditionally observed. On this day, the Living Goddess Kumari is taken on a chariot procession through the lower town. The upper town procession follows on Bhadra Shukla Purnima, and subsequent processions continue through various localities, concluding with the traditional Naanicha Yatra and the ceremonial pulling of the Indra Jatra chariot.
On Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi, the Indradhwaja is lowered, marking the conclusion of the festival. Indra Jatra features grand worship ceremonies and processions dedicated to various deities, including Taleju, Bhairav, Ganesh, and Kumari. The festival is celebrated with grandeur for eight days, with significant participation from the public and officials.
Prominent dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, and heads of constitutional bodies, attend the main Indra Jatra day celebration at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar.
This year, the key dates for Indra Jatra are as follows:
Bhadra 30 (Sept 14): Indradhwaja raising
Ashwin 1 (Sept 15): Main day of Indra Jatra
Ashwin 5 (Sept 19): Indradhwaja lowering at 10 p.m.
The ceremonial tree for the Indradhwaja is cut and brought from Chitpol, Bhaktapur, under the auspices of the Nepal Panchang Decision Committee. The tree is traditionally brought to the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar on Bhadra Shukla Ashtami with active participation from the Manandhar community.
Indra Jatra remains a deeply rooted cultural and religious celebration, highlighting Kathmandu’s rich heritage and communal spirit.
