Kathmandu Celebrates the Start of Historic Indra Jatra Festival
The eight-day Indra Jatra festival has formally begun in Kathmandu with the traditional Yansi Thanegu, or Indradhwajotthan, ceremony at Hanumandhoka. The sacred wooden pole known as Yansi was erected at 7:47 am in front of Kal Bhairav near the Hanumandhoka Kageshwori Temple, marking the official start of one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most important cultural and religious festivals. Members of the Manandhar community from Nhyas Naya and Chaswad traditionally participate in the ritual, which also featured a Dipyankha, or Goddess dance, according to Indra Jatra Management Committee Chairperson Gautam Shakya. Acting Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Sunita Dangol, elected representatives, local residents and devotees attended the ceremony. The main Indra Jatra chariot procession is scheduled to begin on September 25, with the festival featuring traditional dances, religious rituals and chariot processions dedicated to various deities. The chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav have been pulled under the leadership of local women for the past 14 years, highlighting the continuing role of women in the festival. On the final day, the President of Nepal traditionally receives tika from Kumari, the Living Goddess, marking the conclusion of the celebrations. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Indra Jatra continues to attract thousands of devotees and visitors while preserving Kathmandu’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
