Celebrating Indra Jatra in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the cultural heart of Nepal, comes alive every autumn with the vibrant and spiritual celebration of Indra Jatra. If you’re planning a visit to Nepal, witnessing this festival could be the most unforgettable cultural experience of your journey.

With a blend of Hindu mythology, Newar traditions, masked dances, and living gods and goddesses, Indra Jatra in Kathmandu is more than just a festival, it’s a doorway into Nepal’s culture and traditional practices.

Let’s dive into the essence of Indra Jatra and why this is a must-see event for travelers and adventurers alike.

What is Indra Jatra?

The Indra Jatra festival in Nepal usually occurs in September, during the Bhadra to Ashwin months of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Celebrated over eight days, the festival begins on the 12th day of the bright lunar fortnight (Bhadra Dwadashi) and continues until Krishna Chaturdashi. It also signifies the start of Nepal’s festive autumn season, which continues throughout the month by the name Yenya Punhi in Nepal Bhasa.

Marked as one of the oldest and most revered festivals in Kathmandu Valley, this festival is celebrated to honor Lord Indra, the Hindu god of rain and heaven. This week-long celebration also pays tribute to the deceased and showcases the deep-rooted Newar Buddhist and Hindu syncretism unique to the valley.

The Legend Behind Indra Jatra

According to legend, Aditi, mother of Indra, needed a special white aromatic flower, “Parijat” flowers, or the night jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis), for her ritualistic ceremony. So, disguised as a human, Indra came to earth and entered the garden of a local farmer, and started plucking flowers. Mistaken for a thief, he was accused of stealing and tied to a tree as a punishment.

There, in heaven, his mother Aditi was worried and came to earth in search of his son Indra. When Mother Queen Aditi arrived on the street of Kathmandu, she found him tied to a tree and requested the locals to set him free. Realizing the person they had abducted was Indra, the king of the Gods, people agreed to let him go on the condition that Indra must visit the city once a year.

 They also requested mother provide dew during the winter, which will increase the productivity of crops. She was also convinced to take the souls of the deceased family members to heaven. To honor this myth, Indra Jatra is celebrated with processions, dances, and rituals that recall the tale of Indra.

This ritual was called Yenha Punhi by the Newar community but was renamed as Indra Jatra in 1768, after the victory over Kathmandu by King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Highlights of the Indra Jatra Festival

The Majestic Kumari Procession

One of the most mesmerizing attractions of Indra Jatra is the Kumari Rath (Chariot) Jatra, the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari through the ancient alleys of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Dressed in regal red and adorned with gold ornaments, the Kumari symbolizes purity and divine power. Kumari is considered the incarnation of goddess Taleju Bhawani and is selected from the Shakya Clan of Newars. Kumari is brought in her chariot and makes her appearance on the third, fourth, and final days of the festival. She worships Kaal Bhairab, Akash Bhairab, and Swet Bhairab.

Why do Nepalese Worship Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal?

Along with her, two smaller chariots of Ganesh and Bhairav are also other attractions of the Indra Jatra in Kathmandu. Bhairav is the lord of destruction, and Ganesh is the Lord of good luck.

On this day, thousands of locals and tourists gather around Hanuman Dhoka Palace to get a glimpse of the living gods. It is believed that catching their glimpse with the eyes will bring good fortune.

Linga Erection Ceremony (Yosin)

The Indra Jatra festival formally commenced by erecting a tall wooden pole known as Yosin, symbolizing the capture of Indra. This large linga is made from a large pine tree brought from Nala (a small Newari town 29 KM east of Kathmandu).

Masked Dances and Street Performances

Majipa Lakhey dance is another event to experience the energy of Lakhey dances. The Lakhey is a demigod wearing a fierce mask, stomping through the streets of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

This dance represents the battle between good and evil. People worship and offer sweets to Majipa Lakhey or Lākhē Āju as a protector of children of the Kathmandu valley. Hence, he is also called the Peaceful Bhairav.

You’ll also see the iconic Pulukisi, a representation of the white Elephant (Airavat), searching for his lord Indra when he was captured by the locals of Kathmandu. These performances are steeped in history and spiritual meaning, offering travelers a raw, authentic cultural spectacle.

Displaying Swet Bhairav

On the main chowk of Kathmandu Durbar Square lies the fierce face of Swet Bhairab. The face of Swet Bhairab is so fierce looking, it is always hidden behind the wooden windows. This giant iconography of Swet Bhairab was installed here in 1795 during the reign of Rana Bahadur Shah.

On the occasion of Indra Jatra, just for a week each year, the imposing face of Swet Bhairav is revealed to the public in Basantapur. Local devotees line up to drink rice beer (a sacred offering) from a bamboo straw, a rare ritual you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

Why Indra Jatra in Nepal is a Must-See for Travelers

Unlike any other festival, Indra Jatra in Nepal allows travelers to engage directly in centuries-old rituals still alive in the Kathmandu Valley. Celebrated by both Buddhists and Hindus, we can witness Kumari and take photographs of her. The festival is bursting with color, movement, emotion, and tradition, ideal for photography lovers.

This time of the year is also the perfect time to explore Kathmandu. The Indra Jatra in Kathmandu coincides with clear skies and post-monsoon freshness, making it an excellent time to trek nearby hills, explore temples, and discover hidden courtyards.

Pakuranga is the event when the butter lamps, called Dewa, are lit in memory of loved ones who have passed away.  You can light butter lamps and wish for the rest of their souls and ask for their blessings.

During the festival, the head of Aakash Bhairav in Indra Chowk is decorated with flowers and kept in front of the temple for the public to witness the fierce yet compassionate face of Aakash Bhairav. The head Lord Akash Bhairav is considered the head of King Yalambar, the first Kirati king of Nepal. It is also believed that he was a participant in the epic battle of the Mahabharata.

People also perform various dances originating from different parts of the valley on this day. The Devi Nach is brought from Bhaktapur, Pulukisi Nach from Kilagal, Majipa Lakhey from Jaisi Dewal, and Aakash Bhairav from Halchok.

Tips for Tourists Attending Indra Jatra

•       Arrive early to find a good spot during chariot processions.
•       Respect local customs: Dress modestly and avoid stepping into sacred areas.
•       Bring a camera but remember to enjoy the moment too!
•       Join a guided cultural tour with Awesome Holidays Nepal to get deeper insights and behind-the-scenes access.

Witness Kathmandu’s Spiritual Heartbeat

On the last day of Indra Jatra, the flagpole erected in Kathmandu Durbar Square will be burned down as a symbol of the end of Jatra

Indra Jatra is not just a celebration; it’s a living heritage that pulses through the streets of Kathmandu each year. For travelers seeking meaningful experiences, photographic wonder, and a deeper connection with Nepalese spirituality and tradition, the Indra Jatra rath is the perfect event.

Book your cultural tour today with Awesome Holidays Nepal and let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the myth, music, and magic of Indra Jatra.

Head to Nepal right now!