Indra Jatra, the festival dedicated to the god of rain and celebrated for good harvests, has commenced in the Bhaktapur district from today. The eight-day festival, rich in religious and cultural significance, is observed with great enthusiasm, particularly among the Newar communities.
The festival begins on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi with the erection of a towering wooden pole, known as lingo, symbolizing Lord Indra, the god of rain. In Nepal Bhasa, the pole is referred to as Yambo: Dho. This ritual is performed in every major town within Bhaktapur.
Several ceremonies are held throughout the festival, including the traditional Lakhe Naach (demon dance) and the Pulu Kisi (white elephant) procession. A highlight of the celebration is the chariot procession, featuring the pulling of a grand chariot carrying the living goddess Kumari, along with two smaller chariots of deities Ganesh and Bhairab, through the city’s streets.
According to tradition, the head of state visits and worships the living goddess Kumari, along with Lord Ganesh and Bhairab, during the festival period.
Cultural expert Om Dhaubhadel explained that Indra Jatra commemorates the victory of the gods over demons to rescue Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.
While Bhaktapur is a major center for the celebration, the festival is also observed in parts of Kavrepalanchok and Dolakha districts. The main day of Indra Jatra falls on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi—the fourth day of the waxing moon in the lunar month of Bhadra.
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