Kathmandu: The much-anticipated Indrajatra festival, one of the Kathmandu Valley’s major celebrations, begins today. This vibrant festival honors Indra, the revered god of rain and prosperity, and is known as Yenya Punhi within the Newar community.
The festivities commence with the raising of the Indra dwaja (flag) in front of Hanumandhoka in Basantapur. Over the course of eight days, the festival will feature an array of traditional dances, chariot processions, and religious rituals dedicated to various deities.
Indrajatra is not only celebrated in Kathmandu but also extends to Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, and Dolakha districts. The festival’s highlight will occur on Tuesday, September 17, when chariots bearing Ganesha, Bhairav, and Kumari will parade through the streets of Kathmandu. This grand procession will also be attended by the Head of State and other dignitaries at a special ceremony held at Basantapur Durbar Square.
In recognition of the festival’s significance, the federal government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley on Tuesday.