Indra Jatra festival begins in Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square (photos)
The festival features a variety of dances, music, and chariot processions, culminating on the fourth day of Yenla Gaa with the lowering of the Indradhvaja.
KATHMANDU: The vibrant celebration of Indra Jatra (Yenya) has commenced in the Basantapur Durbar Square area of Kathmandu.
On Wednesday morning, the ceremonial lingo (Yosin), which is central to the festival, was brought from Bhote Bahal to Hanuman Dhoka at 10:32 AM, marking the auspicious start of the festival.
Indra Jatra begins on the 12th day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra (Yenla Thwa Dwadashi) with the raising of the Indradhvaja (Indra’s flag) and continues for eight days.
The festival features a variety of dances, music, and chariot processions, culminating on the fourth day of Yenla Gaa with the lowering of the Indradhvaja.
The official commencement of Indra Jatra happens when the ceremonial lingo is erected with religious rites in front of Hanuman Dhoka, along with the Indradhvaja, on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi.
Indra Jatra is a traditional festival celebrated in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, and other regions, honoring Indra, the god of rain and prosperity, through worship and festivities.
Among the many vibrant festivals celebrated in Kathmandu, Indra Jatra stands out as a joyful and significant event.
The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, adorned with numerous monasteries and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries, is the birthplace of this grand celebration.
