INDRA JATRA After installing the lingo, a towering wooden structure brought from Sallaghari in Bhaktapur, on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadasi, according to religious rituals in front of Hanumandhoka, the festival of Indra Jatra commenced. Different forms of dancing, singing, chariot procession, and worshipping of gods and goddesses mark the festival of Indra Jatra that is celebrated for eight consecutive days. Indra Jatra is celebrated to worship Indra, the Lord of Rain and Fertility by Hindus. It is a major traditional festival for the Newari community. It is also called, Yenya Punhi.In Nepal Bhasa (language spoken by Newars), Kantipur valley used to be known as “Yenya Dey” , and Indra Jatra was popular as, “Yenya”. Even today, the day of Bhadra Purnima, is usually referred to as Yenya or Yenya Punhi by the Newars, and not as Indra Jatra. The term “Indra Jatra” was introduced much later. The Newars of Kathmandu valley celebrate Yenya Punhi or “Samaya Baji” festival by lighting up an artistic Diyo, named Dalucha and worshipping the same with worshipping ritualistically by offering Samaya Baji.Indra Jatra is one of the diverse festivals celebrated in Kathmandu valley, also a fun and important one. The major attraction of this festival is the towering of the wooden structure, lingo.From the day of Bhadra Shukla Paksha Yanlathwa Dwadasi, the chariot is taken from Indra Jot than to Yalanga Chauthi or till Indra Dhwaj with celebrations including singing, dancing and the chariot processions. This festival is considered to be celebrated by Hindus since longer time than Dashain, Tihar, or Fagu Purnima, as told by cultural experts. This festival has been known to be observed and celebrated with much enthusiasm not just by Newars, but people of different ethnicities, and backgrounds in Kathmandu.After worshipping a billy goat using “Tantric Vidhi/system”, it is set free in a forest, and the tree it touches is brought down and after worshipping it ritualistically on the day of Ekadashi, it is prepared into a Lingo. Since the lingo is supposed to be straight, it is not easily found in any of the jungles. That is why, any one of either Bhaktapur or Kavre districts’ forests is chosen for lingo selection annually. In the Hanumandhoka Durbar area, in front of the gigantic statue of Kal Bhairav, religious rites and rituals are observed and after the installation of the wooden structure (lingo), the festival of indra Jatra commences. The installed lingo is then known as, “Indradhwajotthan”. Indra Jatra and the process of Lingo installation is talked about in various Hindu scriptures, such as Balmiki Ramayan, Mahabharath, Haribansha Puran, Kalika Puran, Devi Puran, Vishnu Dharmottar Puran, Brihat Samhita, Bhawishya Puran, etc. On the very occasion of Indra Jatra, for the observation of Schhand Bhairav, Shwet Bhairav, Lakhe, Mahakali Dance, etc, Hanuman Dhoka has been opened for the public.It is believed that Lord Indra, the “King of Heavenly Worlds”, once plucked Paarijaat flowers from the valley for his mother’s “Basundhara worshipping” ritual and was accused of being a thief while doing so, tied with a rope and was walked around town like that. This is how Indra Jatra came into celebration. In order to free her son from the trammel, Indra’s mother appeared in the Kathmandu valley herself, and in exchange for her son, promised to give people fog, or clouds to make rain, and took her son back in the mythical legends. It is due to this mythology that the older generation still believes the clouds and fog are responsible for the timely yielding of crops.On the other hand, there’s a legend saying in the mythical times, when the war preparation between gods and demons was going on, the Three Lords (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwor) sent Lord Indra as an envoy along with an “Indra Dhwaja” (victory banner). In the war of gods and monsters, the gods stood victorious and the Indra Dhawja was worshipped, and the ritual ever since continued. In order to bring forth happiness and prosperity, Indra Dhwaja is installed and worshipped as per the traditional styles. As it’s a legendary tradition, the worshipping and observation of the Jatra is done like the President, and the Prime Minister of the country as well.The significance of this festival even encompasses the Nepal Unification times. It is on this day, that King Prithvi Narayan Shah won over Malla King, Jaya Prakash Malla in the annexing of Kantipur valley.On this occasion, the chariot procession of the Living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesh takes place around Hanumandhoka area. Also, in the Tri Lok Narayan Temple, in front of the Kumari Ghar(House of Kumari), the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are displayed. The “Manandhar” community of the Kathmandu valley make a garland out of bamboo and light it on fire and make rounds of the valley. Indra Jatra is celebrated for the prosperity of their family members by Buddhists as well. After the utterance of Nanicha Yan, the festival of Indra Jatra concludes. On the very night, the Lingo that carries the Indra Dhwaja is taken down, and floated away in the Bagmati river, which marks the ritualistic concluding of the ceremony.
Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya, is the largest street festival in Nepal. It takes place in Nepali Bhadra month (August to September in Solar Calendar) and lasts for eight days. Following Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra festival is celebrated by Nepalese to pray to Indra and Dagini for a good harvest and commemorate the deceased in the past year. On the last day, the flagpole erected at Kathmandu Durbar Square will be burned down, which signifies the end of Indra Jatra festival. During Nepal Kumari Festival, you can get a closer look at the living goddess Kumari. Background of Indra Jatra Festival According to legend, Indra, the god of rain, once descended to Kathmandu valley to steal a certain flower for his mother, Dagini. Since nobody knew his identity, Indra was imprisoned like a common thief. The elephant searched through the streets and alleys of Kathmandu but failed to find his master. Indra's mother was so worried and came down to earth. After revealing themselves to the masses, the captor gladly released Indra. In return, Dagini promised to do two things. One is to take those who have died in the last year back to heaven. The other is to spread enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a good harvest. This is the reason why Indra Jatra is celebrated at Kathmandu, Nepal. Celebrations of Indra Jatra Festival Actually, Yenya Festival consists of two parts, namely Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. The celebrations of Indra Jatra include the flagpole ceremony, blood sacrifice, displays of Bhairava's masks, etc. During Kumari Jatra, the living goddess will take the chariot to march through the streets of Kathmandu. And Nepalese carry out the traditional masked dances. Opening ceremony of Indra Jatra At the beginning of Yenya, people would hold a solemn ceremony for erecting a flagpole. This carefully-selected pole is about ten meters long and finally set up outside the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. At the same time, there will be a grand dance ceremony. A series of legends about Indra and the captured scenes will be reenacted through those gorgeous dances. In many temples of Kathmandu valley, buffaloes, goats, roosters, fishes, nuts and other tributes are worshiped to the gods and goddesses. At the end of Indra rituals, those offerings will be distributed to the crowds. People are waiting for the erection of Indra pole outside the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. Exhibitions of Bhairava's masks After erecting the ceremonial pole at Hanuman Dhoka, people would open the screened door of white Bhairava. His horrible face will be displayed in front of Kumari's chariot procession. This grand exhibition takes place only once a year and lasts for three days. You must be amazed at the huge crystal on the masks. In addition to the official displays of Bhairava at Durbar Square, the masks of Bhairava made by the local residents are also packed along the streets and alleys of Kathmandu. It signifies that wherever Goddess Kumari goes, she will be always under the protection of God Bhairava. A sincere devotee is praying in front of Bhairava. When passing by the white Bhairava mask, the living goddess Kumari has to stop to greet him. After paying respect to Bhairava, the music sounds all over the whole Kathmandu Valley. Hence beer starts to pour from Bharirava's mouth. Nepalese believe that getting a sip of this beer will bring them good luck. And a small goldfish would be put to swim in the beer in advance. The person who gets the fish must be the most fortunate one for it'll bring him good luck for the whole year. The living goddess Kumari stoped to greet the image of Bhairava. Kumari chariot procession One of the most popular celebrations for Yenya Festival is Kumari's chariot procession. One day before the grand parade, three golden temple chariots are assembled outside the Kumari Temple. And the whole procession lasts for three days. At that time, people dress in their festive costumes, gather at Durbar Square and wait for the coming of the living goddess. Nepalese officials are heading to Gaddhi Baithak for the ceremonial parade. Before the arrival of the living goddess Kumari, Nepalese officials and consular staff gather at Gaddhi Baithak in front of Durbar Square to observe the impressive military parade. After the ceremonial parade comes Kumari's chariot procession. At the beginning, two boys come out from the home of Kumari, symbolizing the human representation of the deities of Ganesh and Bhairava. Then they will be carried in the chariots separately as the attendants of the goddess. The whole kathmandu valley is packed with cheerful locals and visitors. Finally, the living Kumari is carried by the entourage to board on the last chariot so that her feet won't touch the ground. Some attendants also sit on the chariots to protect those deities and scatter the flowers to the cheerful crowds. Therefore, you'll see each chariot pulled forward by more than ten individuals. Kumari's chariot is pulled forward by a dozen of Nepalese. The beautiful chariots move off slowly and the president would pay homage to the goddess of Kumari on the balcony of the old palace. Then the parading procession leave Durbar Square to Hanuman Dhoka where the living goddess greets the image of Bhairava. While Kumari marches around Kathmandu city, people will act out the story of Indra in route. Mata Biye of Kumari Jatra Mata Biye means butter lamps. On the first day of Kumari Jatra, the family gather together and offer butter lamps to their dead relatives. The parade begins at 18:00 pm and people would march all the way throughout the ancient Kathmandu city to cherish the memory of their loved ones. Nepalese are lighting butter lamps for their relatives at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Indra Jatra is one of the most recommended festivals in Nepal. On this day, Kathmandu Durbar Square will be free for all the visitors. It's also the golden chance for you to take great shot of the living goddess Kumari. The spectacular celebrations and chariot procession are worth your coming. Please feel free to contact us to tail your own Nepal trip.
