Sabin Dangol: Indrajatra festival in Kathmandu

Indrajatra festival festival is also known as Yenya .Yenya is Newari term that means the Street festival. Indrajatra is the biggest street festival in Kathmandu valley. Particularly the festival celebrates at the courtyard of Basantapur darbar square with magnificent decoration and management. Literally Indrajatra celebrates in two ways. One is masked dances of deities and Demon. The appearance of demon who looks so scary and horror. Those who never have seen such sorts of culture before, they would find interesting to watching as well. The mask dance is done with the music of Nepali instrument like Madal, flute, harmony, damfu and many tools used as traditional way. And the another way of celebration is the Kumari who regarded as the living goddess of earth, took out to the public on this day. She blesses all of the people from her holy Chariot. But the public not allow going nearby her Chariot nor can one touch her. It's an only one day Kumari sees in Public.

The festival Indrajatra is named as the god of heaven – Indra . The jatra means procession or festival. The history also tells that the indrajatra is the honor of Bhairab, who is manifestation of Lord shiva.

Frequently asked Questions:

Where the indrajatra celebrates?

The Indrajatra celebrates in Basantapur Darbar square in Kathmandu.

When Indrajatra celebrates?

According to the Nepalese Calender ,Indrajatra celebrates every year from the day of Bhadra Dywadasi to Aswin Chaturdashi. It is celebrated for 8 days. Indrajatra is the biggest day of festival.

Can foreigner go to visit the Indrajatra ?

Yes, foreigner or any religion nationality can see the Indrajatra festival and Enjoy.

Who is Kumari?

Living Goddess – Nepal is the tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in Hindu religious traditions.

Why Indrajatra is celebrated?

Many years ago, Indra's (king of Heaven and lord of rain) mother needed specially scented flowers (Parijat). Indra Search the flower in heaven but he did not find anywhere in Heaven. Ultimately he get the information that the flower he is searching that in Kathmandu valley. And Indra himself comes to Kathmandu valley to steal the flower for her mother. Meanwhile, the villagers see the beautiful flower is stealing someone. And Indra was caught and imprisoned by the villagers. When his mother got the news, she comes in Kathmandu valley to unveil his son. Seeing his son in the cage and knowing what he had done, she utterly shocked. Her mother tells everything to villagers, after that they released Indra. From that, the festival is celebrates as a delightful festival in Nepal. It is celebrated by singing, mask dancing and jubilation.

I have captured some pictures of Indrajatra festival which are: