By Indra Jatra, one of the most vibrant and ancient festivals of Kathmandu, is an eight-day-long celebration filled with religious significance, cultural displays, and social gatherings. The festival marks a time of joy, faith, and tradition, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike to witness the spectacle in the heart of Nepal’s capital. Let’s delve deeper into the history, traditions, rituals, and modern-day significance of this spectacular event.
Historical Significance of Indra Jatra
The roots of Indra Jatra go back centuries, believed to have been initiated in the 10th century by King Gunakamadeva to celebrate the founding of Kathmandu. The festival is primarily dedicated to Indra, the Hindu god of rain and the king of heaven. Indra is revered for bringing rainfall, which is vital for the agrarian lifestyle of Nepal.
Another central figure of the festival is Kumari, the Living Goddess, who is considered an incarnation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani. Her presence during the festival underlines the deep spiritual connection between the city’s people and their deities.
Why Indra Jatra is Celebrated
Indra Jatra is a multi-layered festival that celebrates different aspects of Kathmandu’s culture:
- Worship of Indra: Farmers honor Indra for timely rain to ensure a good harvest.
- Honoring Deceased Family Members: The festival is also a time to remember and honor those who have passed away over the past year.
- Celebration of the Kumari: The Living Goddess Kumari is a vital part of the festival, as she embodies the protection and blessings of the deities.
When and Where is Indra Jatra Celebrated?
Indra Jatra takes place annually in September during the month of Bhadra on the Nepali lunar calendar. It usually falls around September-October and begins on the fourth day of the waxing moon. The festival is observed mainly in the Kathmandu Valley, with Kathmandu Durbar Square serving as the central location for the grand celebrations.
Key Events and Rituals of Indra Jatra
The festival is marked by numerous religious and cultural events that occur throughout its eight-day duration.
Day 1: Yosin or Linga Erection
The festival begins with the raising of the Yosin or Linga, a ceremonial pole, at Basantapur Durbar Square. The 36-foot-tall wooden pole, brought from Nala, Bhaktapur, represents Lord Indra’s flag and is erected to symbolize his arrival on earth. This marks the official start of Indra Jatra.
Day 2-3: The Procession of Living Goddess Kumari
The Kumari Rath Yatra is one of the most anticipated events. The Living Goddess Kumari, along with two other young boys representing Lord Bhairab and Lord Ganesh, are carried in ornate chariots around the city. This procession visits key areas of Kathmandu, including Hanuman Dhoka, Maru, and Lagantol.
Thousands of devotees gather along the streets to receive the blessings of the Living Goddess, and the sight of her chariot being pulled by devotees through narrow lanes is an awe-inspiring experience.
Day 4-7: Processions and Performances
During these days, various masked dances and traditional performances take place. The most notable of these is the Lakhe dance, where performers dressed as the demon Lakhe dance energetically through the streets. The Pulu Kisi (a mythical white elephant associated with Indra’s elephant Airavata) parade is another highlight. The giant figure of Pulu Kisi roams the streets, amusing spectators with its playful antics.
Other dances include the Maha Kali and Maha Bhairab dances, which are performed by the Newar community to celebrate their heritage and honor their gods.
Day 8: Farewell to Indra
The festival concludes with a ceremony where Indra is symbolically bid farewell. This involves taking down the Yosin pole and returning it to its original location.
Unique Rituals and Traditions
The Story of Indra’s Capture
The myth behind the celebration revolves around a legend where Lord Indra descended to earth to collect Parijat flowers for his mother. However, the locals, unaware of his identity, captured him. His mother, Dakini, came searching for him and revealed his true identity. The people of Kathmandu, upon learning that they had imprisoned a god, released him and promised to honor him annually with a grand celebration. In return, Indra promised to provide sufficient rain for their crops.
Acknowledge the Deceased: Upaku Wonegu
During Indra Jatra, another significant custom is Upaku Wonegu, where families who lost loved ones in the past year take a procession around the city. They carry oil lamps and pictures of their departed relatives, paying tribute to their memories.
Modern-Day Celebrations
While much of Indra Jatra has stayed true to its ancient traditions, modern-day Kathmandu has added its own flair. The festival draws large crowds, including tourists, and the chariot processions, dances, and rituals are captured widely by the media.
It remains a vibrant display of Kathmandu’s rich culture, where the historical and the contemporary coexist. Alongside religious rituals, there are performances of traditional music and dance, street food vendors, and gatherings that transform the city into a bustling festival ground.
Conclusion
Indra Jatra is not just a religious festival but a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. It’s a symbol of Kathmandu’s enduring traditions, where gods, humans, and legends come together in a grand celebration of life, death, and the divine. For the people of Kathmandu, it is a reminder of their rich cultural heritage, a time for devotion, and a celebration of the rain-giving god who sustains their lives.
Each year, the festival adds another chapter to its long and fascinating history, making it an unmissable event in Nepal’s cultural calendar.
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