Nepal celebrates ‘Indra Jatra’ festival with religious fervor

Updated:7 years, 1 month ago

Kathmandu (Nepal), Sep 25 (ANI): Nepal’s living goddess, Trishna Shakya, made her first public appearance after being anointed in September last year. She made her public appearance on Monday on the occasion of Indrajatra – a traditional festival observed to worship Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest. Yenya or Indra Jatra festival is specially celebrated in Kathmandu and mainly by the Newari community. Shakya was brought out of her residence, “Kumari Ghar”, located in Basantapur Durbar Square area, a World UNESCO Heritage Site. During the Kumari Jatra, a chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari along with Lord Ganesha and Lord Bhairava is conducted throughout the route around Durbar Square. Various cultural shows, including dance of Lakhe and other deities, were also staged in the premises of the ancient palace of Nepal. These cultural performances were led by scores of youths. An eight-day long celebration, Indra Jatra is divided into two events and is characterized by masked dancers who represent deities and demons. It is believed that worship of Lord Indra gives one’s strength. The successor to a Kumari is chosen when she is about to attain puberty.