Indra Jatra begins (Photo Feature)

Saroj Basnet

Kathmandu: Indra Jatra, one of the major festivals observed in Kathmandu Valley, begins today.

Indra Jatra is celebrated by worshiping Indra, revered as the god of rain and good times. It is called Yenya Punhi among the Newar community.

The festival begins after the hoisting of lingo with Indra Dhwaja or flag in front of Hanumandhoka in Basantapur.

The lingo was erected at an auspicious time at 8:26 a.m. This festival has officially begun.

Preparation of Indra Jatra (Photo Feature)

On September 11 ( Bhadra 26), the 32-handed lingo was dragged to Hanuman Dhoka from Bhotahiti at the auspicious time of 10:32 a.m. The tradition of hoisting the lingo began during the reign of King Jaya Prakash Malla.

Indra Jatra is celebrated for eight days with various cultural dances, chariot processions, and worshipping of gods and goddesses.

In addition to Kathmandu, the festival is also observed in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, and Dolakha districts. The major day of the festival falls on coming Tuesday i.e. September 17, when chariots carrying Ganesha, Bhairav, and Kumari are taken around the thoroughfares of Kathmandu.

These chariots are also observed by the Head of State and other dignitaries during a special ceremony to be held at Basantapur Durbar Square premises.

Meanwhile, the federal government has declared a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley on Tuesday.

(Glimpses of Indra Dhwaja)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)