Indra Jatra is a significant festival in Nepal, a multiethnic and multicultural country. Every Nepalese citizen celebrates different festivals on various occasions. These festivals differ regionally or according to ethnicity, religion, and traditions. Nepal has many festivals marked differently and carry specific significance behind their celebrations.

There are many types of festivals in Nepal and indra jatra is one of them .However, people from other cities, such as Bhaktapur, Banepa, and Patan, celebrate different types of Jatra with great joy. Indra Jatra is a major annual festival celebrated in Nepal, especially in the capital city of Kathmandu. Indra refers to the god of Heaven, while Jatra refers to a Procession. Thus, Indra Jatra is a joyous festival and a procession held in honor of the Hindu god Indra.

Why is indra jatra celebrated in nepal ?

There is an exciting myth behind the evolution of Indra jatra. Indra’s mother needed Parijat, a type of white flower, to perform a religious ritual. So, disguised as a human being, Lord Indra came to the earth in search of the herb for his mother. He was accused of flower theft by the field owner while trying to pick the flower. Then, the field owner catch him in captivity, blaming him for stealing the flowers. Lord Indra is imprisoned in Kathmandu and cannot go back from there.

After missing Son Indra for a long time, his mother Dakini was worried and came to earth to search for him. Luckily, she finally found him and requested the owner of the field to let him go. Only after the villagers realized who they were did they agree to free Lord Indra, but they put condition for them.

Based on their condition, Lord Indra should come to the earth every year during that time, and he will be displayed as a prisoner for seven days. Local farmers also make the Dakini promise to provide enough dew during the winter for better productivity. The villagers also ensure that Dakini will take the deceased members of their family to Heaven with her.

This is why the festival of Indra Jatra is celebrated to express gratitude to Lord Indra and Dakini for the decent harvest in the coming year and timely rainfall. Similarly, the festival is also observed in the name of the deceased family members.

Kumari: The living goddess

Kumari Jatra is major highlight of indra jatra celebration,holding great political and cultural importance during the regime of the mall kings in kathmandu valley.Indra Jatra is believed to have been initiated by king Gunakamadeva in 10th century.However,its significance expanded in the 18th century under king Jaya Prakash Malla, the last of the malla kings.

The majority of people think that kumari is only living Goddess of kathmandu .but Ganesh and Bhairab are also considered as living Gods.

Majipa lakhey

Lakhey, lakhey aju is a special lakhey in Nepalese folklore. He is also known as the Peaceful bhairab ,The dance of this Lakhey takes place only in the week of the full moon of the month of Yenlaa of the Nepal sambat calendar. He is considered to be the protector of the children. 

PULIKISI

In Nepal, the Pulukisi dance is also part of the Indra Jatra, where a huge white elephant puppet plays. Pulukisi is believed to be the incarnation of Airavata, or the Lord Indra’s mount. Throughout the festival, Pulukisi walks around the streets, teasing the onlookers playfully and adding life and vitality to the festival the festival.

The dance is entertaining as well as a reminder of the mythological story attributed to the festival. It symbolizes Indra’s presence and his blessings given to the people.

Bhairav mask ( Swet bhairav) 

Swet means White and Bhairav is one of the most dangerous appearance of Lord Shiva. Therefore Swet Bhairav is also known as White Bhairav. There are altogether 8 Bhairav Temple in Kathmandu. Among them Swet Bhairav temple has also its own importance. The idol of Swet Bhairav is located at Basantapur Kathmandu just below Degu Taleju Temple.

The Newar people value this festival and actively involve their traditions and practices in the processions.

A large crowd of Nepalese youths enthusiastically struggles to drink alcoholflowing from the mouth of the Swet Bhairav deity during the Indra Jatra festival at Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu. The event is a significant part of the festival and symbolizes divine blessings.

Sawa Bhakku

The Sawa Bhakku dance group from Halchok, at the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, makes its rounds along the festival route, stopping at major street squares to perform and receive offerings from devotees. The dancers consist of Bhairava (in blue) holding a sword and his two attendants (in red). The ensemble is also known informally as Dhin Nāli Sintān after the sound of their music.

Dagi (Mother of Iord Indra)

Indra’s mother, Vasundhara came to Kathmandu as Dagi searching her Son Indra who was caught and tied by the locals of Maru. She promised to ensure mist and dew for the winter crops in exchange for his release. In addition, she also promised to take the departed souls to heaven.

So, recently bereaved Newar families circumambulate the city of Kathmandu following Dagi. The procession starts from Maru Chwaspaka, as soon as the Kumari’s chariot is driven back to Hanuman Dhoka and follows the route of the Kumari first the upper part of the city, then in the lower part.

The families scatter grain by the wayside so that they would not forget the way home. Once finished, they throw what remains of there offerings in Bhuti Satta, near Kasthamandap, and wash their faces in the Maru Hiti fountain. Afterward, they either return home or go to bathe in Indra’s Pond (Yamki Daha), which is located on a hill 12 km west of Kathmandu.

This year, Chyama Puja was done for a halt in the yatra. However, devotees came by the Daagi Cheen at Maru to pay their homage.

Conclusion:

Indra Jatra has a special place in the Nepali calendar. It is one of the biggest street festivals in Nepal, celebrated with a mystic mask, dancing, and pulling the chariot of the living Goddess Kumari and we should protect our festival Hence, the festival of Indra Jatra is celebrated in honor of ‘the Lord of Heaven’ Indra.

Author: Reewaj Dangol