इन्द्रजात्राको तयारी
Kathmandu, September 21: Preparations for Indra Jatra have entered the final stage at the historic Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of chariots, cleaning and other necessary preparations are currently underway.
Painting and renovation works are being carried out at heritage sites in the Durbar Square area, including Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar and the Shiva-Parvati Temple. Red flags are also being replaced. According to Gautam Ratna Shakya, chairperson of the Indra Jatra Management Committee, most of the preparations required for the festival have already been completed.
“Thirty-one Guthi Khalas are affiliated with the Indra Jatra Management Committee to organize the festival in a grand and orderly manner. We have held several meetings with them. We have also discussed security arrangements with the Nepal Police,” Chairman Shakya said. “As Indra Jatra is a national festival, many international tourists come to observe it. We have made arrangements for them as well. Preparations for the festival are currently being carried out at a rapid pace.”
Indra Jatra, which holds particular significance for the Newar community, is traditionally celebrated in various parts of the Kathmandu Valley as well as in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and Dolakha.
During the festival, a ceremonial pole carrying the Indra flag is erected at Hanuman Dhoka. The religious ritual of erecting the pole is known as “Indradhwajotthan,” while there is also a tradition of worshipping Bhairav at its base.
According to religious and cultural beliefs, Indra Jatra is celebrated as a festival marking victory over enemies. The festival holds special significance as an occasion to worship the Indra flag, seek divine power and demonstrate that strength.
On the occasion of Indra Jatra, the President traditionally observes the chariot procession of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav from the Gaddi Baithak at Hanuman Dhoka. Kumari is worshipped as the living goddess.
The festival begins after the ceremonial pole bearing the Indra flag is erected and features a variety of traditional dances. According to Chairman Shakya, the major attractions of Indra Jatra include Bhakkunach, Mahakali dance, Lakhe dance, Dashavatar and Pulukisi dance, which represents Airavata, the elephant believed to be the vehicle of the god Indra.
Indra Jatra is traditionally concluded on the eighth day after the erection of the ceremonial pole, on Ashwin Krishna Chauthi, when the Indra flag is ceremonially lowered.
