INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, September 10
Indra Jatra, one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Kathmandu for eight days, formally began with the erection
of a sacred Indradhoj lingo (wooden pole) at Hanumandhoka in Basantapur Darbar Square today
The lingo was erected at 9:17 am in front of the statue of Kaal Bhairav there.
The cultural event was attained by mayor of Kathmandu
Metropolitan City, Bidhya Sundar Shakya and provincial lawmakers from Kathmandu
The wooden pole was axed down from a tree in Bhakatapur on September 1
Indra Jatra is celebrated by Newar community of Kathmandu and is called Yenya in local dialect
The festival is dedicated to Indra, the god of rain and the king of heaven
The festival marks special importance since the chariot procession of ‘living goddess Kumari&, is held along with chariots of lord Ganesh
and lord Bhairav, around Basantapur area during the festival.
Legend has it that Lord Indra once secretly visited the ancient city of
Kathmandu to steal parijat (a night flowering jasmine), but instead got captivated by a tantric
Mother of Indra then came down to earth to free her son, and promised to provide timely rainfall for the freedom of her son
From then onwards, locals of Kathmandu started celebrating the festival.
Attraction of the festival include dances like Lakhey dance and
Pulu Kisi dance where participants perform by wearing masks of deities on street.
The heads of state also visit Hanuman Dhoka to pay their
respects to the gods and goddesses during the festival
This year, KMC has invited 48 delegates from different countries to participate in the festival.
The post Indra Jatra kicks off in Kathmandu
appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
