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Indra Jatra or Yenya in the local Newari language is one of the most beloved lively eight-day street festival celebrated in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Whether it’s your first time witnessing or reliving the experience, Indra Jatra offers the opportunity to deeply understand the stories and myths that shape Nepalese culture.
Are you ready to dive into this exciting festival? It includes the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari chariots and masked dancers symbolizing deities and demons making Indra Jatra an unforgettable experience.
Myth behind celebrating Indra Jatra
According to legend, the King of Heaven, Indra, came to earth disguised as a human to look for a sacred white flower, Parijat, but was unfortunately caught stealing the flowers by locals. Upon realizing they had detained a god, the people released Indra and celebrated his promise of ample rainfall and good harvests as a gesture of gratitude.
How do we celebrate Indra Jatra?
Indra Jatra is celebrated firstly by erecting the ten-meter-long wooden pole(Linga) made of pine at Kathmandu Durbar Square. During the pole- raising ceremony, massive mass, mainly of the Newar community, gather displaying the deity Akash Bhairab, sprouting Rakshi(local liquors) with a small goldfish. It is believed that drinking that beer will bring them luck but the one catching the fish will be the luckiest, bringing good fortune throughout the year. Masked dances and Pulu Kisi dances are also performed representing deities and demons.
The festival’s highlight is also the chariot procession of The Living Goddess, Kumari. The intricately adorned chariots carry Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav, decorated with flowers and vibrant streamers. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, pull these chariots through the narrow alleys of Kathmandu in a lively display of faith and tradition. On the first day of Kumari Jatra at 6 pm, the family also present Mata Biye (butter lights) to honor the decreased loved ones.
Closing ceremony of Indra Jatra
The Jatra ends by taking the Linga to a holy Bagmati river and breaking into pieces to fuel the lights to different Bhairav temples on the side of the river. The end of Indra Jatra also signals the beginning of grand festivals, Dashain and Tihar, celebrated all over the country by Nepalese people.
Dates and Location for 2024
This year, the festival of Indra Jatra will take place from 17th September 2024, at the historical heart of Kathmandu, especially around the iconic Kathmandu Durbar Square. During this time, the area will be buzzing with the electrifying energy of locals as well as tourists to witness the ancient traditions unfold in the streets.
Practical Tips for Tourists
If you find yourself in Nepal during Indra Jatra, seizing the opportunity to engage in this vibrant festival , following some practical tips might enrich your experience even more.
The streets of Kathmandu, particularly around Durbar Square and Thamel, can become extremely crowded during the festival. The weather can also be unpredictable; hence, dressing in comfortable yet respectful attire is recommended. To respect local customs, avoid overly casual wear such as shorts and tank tops. Not carrying or wearing valuable items is highly advised to avoid pocket theft in crowds.
Learning a few phrases in Nepali, such as “Namaste” (Hello”Dhanyabad” (Thank you), as well as enjoy local favourites like momo and dal bhat, and sample Newari cuisine at festival-area eateries can greatly enrich your experience. Also, don’t forget to sample street food classics such as Sel Roti and Yomari while enjoying the festival.
Creating Lasting Memories
Indra Jatra is a festival of joy, colour, and community spirit. Whether observing the grand chariot procession, savoring a dance performance, or absorbing the spiritual ambiance at a temple, the moments you experience at Indra Jatra are sure to be unforgettable. It’s a time when the entire city of Kathmandu comes together to celebrate, and being a part of that celebration is a truly special experience.
