Today, on the occasion of Indra Jatra, the evening celebrations in Bhaktapur began with the installation of Lord Indra’s idol at Indra Daha, also known as Siddhapokhari, followed by a grand Diwali.
The event started with a procession from the Indrayani Dyo Chen (temple) in Khwopa, Bhaktapur. The idol of Goddess Indrayani was placed on a chariot and carried through half of Bhaktapur in a traditional procession known as ‘Vacha Mukegu’ accompanied by music. The procession reached Indra Daha (Siddhapokhari) where the festivities began in the evening.
The fair traditionally begins on Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi with the lighting of lamps in the evening and continues until midnight. On the full moon day of Bhadra Shukla Purnima, devotees gather at Indra Daha to take a ritual bath and offer prayers to Lord Indra.
According to cultural and historical expert Professor Dr. Purushottam Lohan Shrestha, the festival ends with a grand procession on the day of Purnima. The idol of Lord Indra is carried around Bhaktapur in a chariot and returned to the Indrayani Dyo Chen temple, marking the conclusion of the Jatra.
Historically, Indra Daha is believed to have been constructed by the powerful Prince Indradev of Nepal Sambat 218, hence its name. It is said that Lord Indra, the King of Heaven, bathed here, giving the pond its religious significance. Locally, the pond is also referred to as ‘Ñānkidaha.’ On Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, a traditional custom called ‘Chak Mata Chak’ involves lighting lamps around the pond.
As per legend, the festival also commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people from the wrath of Indra, who sent a hailstorm and rain after becoming angry. In response, Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill with his finger to shield the people. The fair at Indra Daha is held in memory of this event, symbolizing both the victory of the people and the defeat of tyranny.
During the festival, devotees bathe in Indra Daha, offer a feast known as ‘Samay,’ and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes such as chhwela, pickled taro, soaked peas, and cucumber. In the evening, the Indrayani idol is placed back on the chariot and paraded through Bhaktapur before being returned to the temple, marking the end of the festival.
