INDRAJATRA

This important festival of Kathmandu lasts a week beginning the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra (September). A long pole is raised to mark the beginning of the festival. The golden image of God Indra mounted on an elephant is placed near the pole. It is believed that Lord Indra had been caught red-handed in human form while stealing some flowers known as Parijat which was not available in the heaven. He was thus put to disgrace and shame with his hands tied up with ropes.

Display of the images of Bhairav and Indra, Tantric and other traditional dances of Mahakali and Bhairav at Bhadgaon and Halchowk respectively, marching dances of Gods, Goddesses and demons, the exhibition of the ten incarnations of Vishnu and the pulling of the chariots of Ganesh, Bhairav and Kumari in Kathmandu are the features of the Indra Jatra. 

The first day of the festival is especially marked by the members of bereaved families (families who have lost a dear one in the preceeding year) who go in procession through the streets of Kathmandu enchanting hymns and prayers. The chariots of living gods Ganesh and Bhairav as well as living goddess Kumari are draw along the streets of Kathmandu on the third, fourth and the last day of the festival . Two young boys and virgin girl are there selected according to religious rules and regulations to act as Ganesh, Bhairav and Kumari. This festival is also known as “Kumari Rath Jatra”.