Indrajatra

Indrajatra is the festival dedicated to Lord Indra, the rain deity.The festival, which usually falls in the month of August -September, is observed with great fanfare in Kathamndu valley. The festival begins with the erection of a ceremonial pole at the Kathmandu Durbar Square.Indra is Lord of Rain and the king of Heaven. Jatra is procession. Indra Jatra is celebration of God Indra’s Day. Indra Jatra is festival of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. According to traditional beliefs, Indra had received this flag from Lord Vishnu for protection. The chariot procession of living Goddess Kumari, ganesh and Bhairav is organised to mark this day. The festival culminates with the worship of Goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav by the President of Nepal. lakhe dance, the famous masked dance in the country, is another major attraction of the festival. The festival of Indra Jatra continues for eight days with much rejoicing, singing, dancing and feasting. People from all over Nepal, mostly those who live within the Kathmandu Valley, gather at the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu.

The first day of the festival is viewed by a large number of people. On that day, a long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka, in order to propitiate Lord Indra, the”god of rain”. Classical dancers also assemble at the spot, wearing different kinds of traditional masks and costumes and dancing around the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka to celebrate Indra’s visit.