Indra Jatra
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal is a country full of rich culture and traditions. Indrajatra is one of the most vibrant and fascinating festivals that showcase Nepal's cultural diversity. This annual festival is held in Kathmandu Valley, on the day of Indrajatra, a grand fair is held in Basantpur and every year, guests from the country and abroad accept the invitation of the state and come to watch the Indrajatra. Especially in the historical city of Kathmandu.Indrajatra is a festival that combines religious devotion, folk songs and community spirit. Indra Jatra is believed to have started during the reign of Pratap Malla.
History and Significance
History of Indrajatra is a festival with deep historical significance in the Newar community of Kathmandu, who live in Nepal. In this festival, the god of rain and the king of heaven, Indra, is celebrated to express his gratitude by eating fruits and various sweets as a form of respect for the rain that is needed to grow abundant crops and grain leaves.
The process of this Jatra starts after the forest yatra to cut trees for lingo at the site selected by the Nepal Panchang Jury Committee. After rituals such as forest yatra, cutting of trees, Lingo Nagar Pravesh etc., the Indra dhwajajotthan is done on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi. Indra Jatra is believed to have started during the reign of Pratap Malla.
Lakhe Nritya: The Dance of the Demons
Lakhe dance, Dashavatar dance, Mahakali dance, Ramchandra dance, Pulukisi dance and other cultural tableaus and dances are performed. Indra is another fascinating element of Jatra. Dancers dressed as fearsome monsters known as Lakhes perform intricate dance routines. These dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the community. Vibrant costumes and vibrant performances make the Lakhe dance a mesmerizing sight for festival-goers.
On the occasion of Jatra
Pick up the lingo
The process of this festival begins after a forest yatra to cut down trees for lingo in Kathmandu Durbar Square, on the date determined by the Nepal Panchang Jury Committee. After rituals such as forest yatra, cutting of trees, Lingo Nagar Pravesh etc., the Indra dhwajajotthan is done on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi.This long Indrajatra ends after the fall of Indradhvaj on the last night. After decanting, the lingo of Indrajatra is sold on the banks of the Bagmati at Teku Dobhan. There is a tradition of dragging lingo to sell. It marks the official start of the festival and serves as the focal point for various rituals and ceremonies.
Masked dance and cultural performances
Indra Jatra showcases a rich tapestry of masked dances, each with its own story and significance. Devi Pyakhan, Mazippa Lakhe and Mahankali Pyakhan are the most famous. These dances are deeply rooted in Newar mythology and are performed with great precision and artistry.
Street processions and community spirit
The streets of Kathmandu come alive during Indra Jatra. The entire community participates in the festival, creating a sense of unity and shared cultural identity. The streets are decorated with vibrant colors, and the air is filled with the sounds of traditional music and hymns. This is the time when locals and tourists come together to celebrate Nepal's rich heritage.
Rath Yatra
Before the start of the Rath Yatra, special persons including the Head of State will observe the darshan of Shri Ganesh, Shri Bhairav and Shri Kumari and the Rath Yatra from the gaddi meeting. After the Rath Yatra is over, there is a tradition of Dagi (the family of the deceased along with the mother of the god Indra, circumambulate the city on the route of the Rath Yatra throughout the year).
On the first day of Rath Yatra, the Rath Yatra will be held in lower tolls (Basantapur, Maru, Chinkmugal, Jaisedeval, Lagan, Bramhtol, Heumat, Kohiti, Bhimsen Sthan, Maru to Basantpur). Similarly, on the second day of the Rath Yatra in the upper villages, only women will pull the Rath Tani Nanicha Yatra.
Foreign guests came to Kathmandu to watch the Indra Jatra
People's representatives from different countries come to Kathmandu to observe Indra Jatra.
The head, deputy head and chief administrative officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City welcome the foreign guests who came to visit.
At the invitation of the Metropolitan Corporation, guests representing five cities and one organization from three countries come to Kathmandu to observe the Indra Jatra. Representatives along with chiefs come from cities that have internal sister relations.
The Metropolitan Municipality invites chiefs and representatives from cities with sisterly and institutional relations to observe the relationship between intangible heritage and tangible heritage created by combining original technology, skills and art.
Similarly, the guests were given a tour of the Bhaktapur Darbar area, followed by a visit to the art gallery, the guests were made to participate in the original and traditional exhibition held in Handigaon, and after a self-guided tour of Swayambhu Nath, the guests will visit the Nepalese market and return home.
Conclusion
Indrajatra is a fascinating festival that provides a unique window into the culture and traditions of Nepal. It is a time when spirituality, folklore, and community spirit converge to create a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it. If you find yourself in Nepal in late August or early September, be sure to immerse yourself in the magic of Indra Jatra, a festival that transcends time and connects the past with the present.
