Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra is an annual festival celebrated in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, to honor the Hindu god Indra, the king of heaven and the god of rain and thunder. The festival usually takes place in late September or early October, and lasts for eight days.

During Indra Jatra, large crowds gather in the streets to witness various cultural and religious events, including the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari, masked dances performed by both professional and amateur dancers, and the display of various deities and idols. The festival is also marked by the raising of a tall wooden pole (known as a "lingo") in the center of Kathmandu's Durbar Square, which is believed to symbolize the presence of Indra himself.

Indra Jatra has its origins in ancient Hindu mythology, and is believed to have been celebrated in Nepal for over a thousand years. Today, it remains an important cultural event in the country, attracting both locals and visitors alike.