How is Indra Jatra celebrated?

Date: September 3, 2009 (the festival is celebrated for eight days starting from September 1)

Venue: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Basantapur

Indra Jatra is celebrated around the full moon day of Bhadra (August-September) in Kathmandu. It is a colorful festival, which sees numerous chariot processions and masked-dance performances.

The Indra Jatra festival starts with the erecting of a long wooden pole in front of the ancient Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka. Three golden temple chariots are assembled outside the Basantapur Durbar Square for Goddess Kumari (the living goddess) and two other boys who play the role of Ganesh and Bhairab. Kumari is greeted by the President (in the past, the royalty used to greet her) on this day. The chariot procession ends in front of the huge Seto (White) Bhairab mask where the Kumari greets the Bhairab.

Then beer is poured from the Bhairab’s mouth. Getting a sip of this beer is said to bring good luck. This festival pays homage to god Indra and also marks the end of monsoon.

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