The historic and cultural festival of Indra Jatra witnessed the grand chariot procession of Lord Ganesh, Lord Bhairav, and the living goddess Kumari in Upper Town on Wednesday. The main event of Indra Jatra took place on Tuesday in Lower Town, where the deities’ chariots paraded through the streets.
Indra Jatra, which began on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi with the erection of the Indra Dhwaj (flag) at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, is one of the longest festivals in the Kathmandu Valley. According to Hari Prasad Subedi, head of the religious division at the Guthi Sansthan, the festivities have deep historical and cultural significance.
On Saturday, Ashwin 5, a special women-only chariot procession, known as Nanicha Yatra, will take place. In the evening, President Ram Chandra Poudel will visit Hanuman Dhoka Durbar to receive Tika and Prasad from the Kumari, as per tradition. After receiving the Tika, the President will also partake in the symbolic exchange of the Kharga (sword) with the Kumari.
The festival officially concludes on the night of October 5, at 10:31 PM, with the Indra Dhwaj Patan ceremony. After this, the festival’s central Linga (pole) will be ceremonially taken to the Teku Dovan, where it will be immersed along the banks of the Bagmati River. As per tradition, the Linga is dragged to the site in a grand procession.
The preparations for Indra Jatra start with the Ban Yatra (forest journey), where a special tree is selected and cut down for the Linga. The pole is then brought into the city and erected at Hanuman Dhoka on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi, marking the official start of the festival. This ancient tradition is believed to have been introduced during the reign of King Pratap Malla, while the chariot processions are said to have originated with King Gunakamadev.
Indra Jatra honors the deity Indra, the god of rain and harvest. Rituals have been conducted throughout the festival, including traditional Lakhay dances, the Dash Avatar performances, and other cultural displays. According to the Guthi Sansthan, these activities will continue until Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi (Ashwin 5).
As a result of the festival, the Basantapur Durbar Square area is bustling with both domestic and international tourists, eager to witness the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations of Indra Jatra.
