Indra Jatra
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.
When is Indra Jatra?
Indra Jatra is a regional holiday in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The holiday takes place on the 15th day of Yanla, the 11th month in the Nepalese calendar. This is an important harvest festival in Kathmandu Valley, also known as Yenyā (meaning “Kathmandu celebration”)
Traditions of Indra Jatra
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.
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.
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.
Highlights of the Jatra
Kumari Jatra
The living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari is one of the main highlights of Indra Jatra festival. This tradition of Kumari chariot was initiated during the reign of King Jaya Prakash Malla. Three chariots are being pulled on this special day, consisting of Goddess Kumari, God Bhairav and God Ganesh in separate chariots accompanied by the musical bands, in different places of Kathmandu for regular three days.
On the very first day, the chariots start from the southern part of the town. This day is known as Kwaneya. The second is the full moon day (Yenya Punhi) and the chariots are pulled through the northern part of the town till Asan chowk. On the last day called Nanichaya, the chariots along with the procession will pass through the central Kilagal.
The routes of the chariot are as follows:
First Day (Kwaneya): Basantapur, Maru, Chikanmugal, Jaisidewal, Legan, Hyumat, Bhimsensthan, Maru, Basantapur
Second Day (Yenya Punhi): Basantapur, Pyaphal, Nyata, Tengal, Nhyokha, Nhaikan Tol, Asan, Kel Tol, Indra Chowk, Makhan, Basantapur.
Third Day (Nanichaya): Basantapur, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Kilagal, Bhedasing, Indra Chowk, Makhan, Basantapur.
