Indra Jatra being Celebrated in Kathmandu With Traditional Chariot Procession

Kathmandu, September 25: The main chariot procession of Indra Jatra, one of Kathmandu Valley’s most significant traditional festivals, is being held today in the historic Hanuman Dhoka area.

The main attraction of today’s celebrations is the procession of the chariots of Kumari, the living goddess, along with Ganesh and Bhairav. The chariots are being pulled through the historic streets of Kathmandu, accompanied by traditional music, dances and cultural performances.

Indra Jatra formally began on September 23 with the ceremonial erection of the Yosin, or Indradhwaj pole, near Hanuman Dhoka. The eight-day festival features a range of traditional rituals and performances, including Lakhey, Pulukisi, Mahakali and Bhakku dances.

Dedicated to Indra, the deity associated with rain and prosperity, the festival brings together Hindu and Buddhist traditions and remains an important expression of Kathmandu’s Newar cultural heritage.

The festival will conclude with the ceremonial lowering of the Yosin. Traditionally, the President receives tika and blessings from Kumari during the concluding ceremonies. However, some local guthi members and community representatives have continued to call for the participation of a representative of the traditional monarchy to receive tika and blessings from Kumari, as was practiced in the past.