The Indra Jatra festival, dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and prosperity, is being celebrated today with traditional rituals and ceremonies. This annual festival takes place on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi (the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra) in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, and other locations across Nepal.
The festival begins with the raising of the sacred Indradhwaja pole at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi (the 12th day). The ceremony marks the start of eight days of celebrations, featuring various dances, chariot processions, and worship of deities.
The raising of the Indradhwaja pole, known as ‘Indradhwajotthan,’ includes the worship of Bhairav at the base of the pole. The festival is believed to have originated as a celebration of victory after defeating enemies. Indra Jatra also symbolizes gaining power through the worship of the Indradhwaja.
Before the pole is raised, a goat is ritually sacrificed in Bhaktapur’s Chitpol jungle. The tree touched by the sacrificed goat is cut down on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi and brought to the valley, where it is prepared overnight for the Indradhwaja pole to be erected.
On the main day of the festival, the President of Nepal observes the chariot procession of Sri Ganesh, Sri Bhairav, and Sri Kumari (the Living Goddess) from the Gaddi Baithak at Hanuman Dhoka. In the past, the monarch would observe the same ceremony.
Throughout the festival, various traditional dances are performed, including the Bhakku dance, Mahakali dance, Lakhe dance, and the Dash Avatar dance, representing the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Pulukisi dance, representing Airavata, the elephant mount of Lord Indra, is also a significant attraction.
The festival concludes on the eighth day, Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi, by lowering the Indradhwaja pole in a ritual known as ‘Indradhwaj Paatan.’ According to religious texts, this ritual must be conducted at night under the Bharani Nakshatra.
In addition to the Indra Jatra celebrations, pilgrims gather at Indra Daha, located in Dahachok, west of Kathmandu, for an all-night vigil. On Wednesday, devotees take a sacred bath at Indra Daha on Bhadra Shukla Purnima to mark the occasion.
Today is also observed as Ananta Chaturdashi, a day dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu, known as Ananta Nath. Devotees believe that tying a sacred thread with the Ananta mantra on this day brings good fortune throughout the year.
According to religious expert Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, those unable to perform the Janai (sacred thread) ceremony during Shrawan Shukla Purnima can do so today. The Ananta Chaturdashi vow should also be observed, and devotees are expected to visit Indra Daha for a ritual bath after celebrating Indra Jatra.
