Nepal’s Indra Jatra Festival: Living Deities Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav Parade in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Indra Jatra festival has begun, marking the start of the festive season. This festival features the living deities Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav, who are paraded through the inner areas of Kathmandu on chariots. Thousands of devotees gather at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness this grand event.
Rekha Shakya, a festival attendee, shared, “Every year the Jatra brings different artistic values. The entire surrounding gets immersed in joy and fervor. The drums won’t stop beating, and the living gods appear in their special form.”
The festival lasts for eight days, starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. It includes various masked dances, folk dramas, and chariot processions, creating an atmosphere of fun and merriment. The festival honors Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, and includes rituals like the erection of a sacred wooden pole called Ya: Shi: at Hanumandhoka in Basantapur Durbar Square.
According to legends, Indra Jatra celebrates the victory of the gods over demons to release Jayanta, the son of Indra. The festival is primarily celebrated by the Newar communities who follow both Hinduism and Buddhism. The tradition of worshiping a girl as Kumari from the Newar Community involves strict selection criteria and religious tests.
Indra Jatra will conclude tonight with various ceremonies, including Lakhe Naach, Mahakali Naach, and Pulukisi Naach, making it a grand festivity among the Newa community.
Doubts Revealed
Indra Jatra -: Indra Jatra is a festival in Nepal that celebrates Indra, the God of rains. It includes parades, dances, and other traditional activities.
Living Deities -: Living deities are people who are worshipped as gods. In this festival, Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav are considered living deities.
Kumari -: Kumari is a young girl who is chosen to be a living goddess in Nepal. She is worshipped and taken care of by the community.
Ganesh -: Ganesh is a Hindu god with an elephant head. He is known as the remover of obstacles and is worshipped for good luck.
Bhairav -: Bhairav is a fierce form of the Hindu god Shiva. He is often associated with protection and destruction of evil.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is where the Indra Jatra festival takes place.
Durbar Square -: Durbar Square is a historic area in Kathmandu with many old palaces and temples. It is a popular place for festivals and gatherings.
Newar communities -: Newar communities are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. They have their own unique culture and traditions.
Chariot processions -: Chariot processions are parades where people pull large, decorated carts through the streets. These carts often carry statues or living deities.
