Indra Jatra: Yenyã Punhi - The Biggest Jatra in Nepal

History and Myth of Indra Jatra 

Indra Jatra, one of the most celebrated festivals in Kathmandu, has its roots in both myth and history. The festival is linked to a fascinating legend involving Lord Indra, the god of rain. According to the myth, Lord Indra's mother, Dagin, needed a specific white flower, Parijat, for a religious ritual. Disguised as a human, Indra descended to earth to find the flower but was caught and accused of theft by the meadow’s owner. He was imprisoned in Kathmandu, unable to return to the heavens.

Worried about her missing son, Dagin came to earth to search for him. When she found him, she pleaded with the villagers to release Indra. Upon realizing his divine identity, they agreed but on the condition that Indra would return to earth annually during the same period and be displayed as a prisoner for seven days. Additionally, they requested Dagin ensure enough dew during winter for a good harvest and to take their deceased family members to Heaven. This myth explains the celebration of Indra Jatra, where gratitude is expressed for a prosperous harvest and timely rainfall, and the deceased are honored.

Key rituals and events of Indra Jatra 

Kumari Jatra  

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

Historically, the Indra Jatra is believed to have been initiated by King Gunakamadeva in the 10th century. However, its significance expanded in the 18th century under King Jaya Prakash Malla, the last of the Malla kings. At a time when he faced threats from rival kings and the impending invasion of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Malla attempted a rally of the Hindu and Buddhist communities of the valley. In unification and celebration, he introduced Kumari Jatra into Indra Jatra, bringing along the Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu, thereby symbolizing the reason for celebration in a unified blend of religious and cultural practice in the Kathmandu Valley. In 1760, he constructed a chariot for Kumari and institutionalized Kumari Jatra as a salient part of the celebration. This strategic move not only consolidated his rule but also made the festival's importance last longer.

In 1760, he offered a chariot to the Kumari and institutionalized Kumari Jatra as a salient part of the celebration. During the event, a decorated chariot parades the living goddess Kumari through the streets of Kathmandu. Gradually, Kumari Jatra became the prime highlight of Indra Jatra.

The major Nepali festival, Indra Jatra today features three chariots carrying human representations of deities like Ganesh, Bhairava, and Kumari, accompanied by musical bands parading through Kathmandu for three days. It starts at about 3 pm every day. Kumari is taken for a procession in a chariot through the main streets. The crowd watches her and gets her blessings, believing it brings good fortune. 

Bhairav Mask Display 

The display of the Bhairav mask is a powerful and impressive part of the Indra Jatra festival in Nepal. Bhairav is generally a fearsome manifestation of the Hindu God Shiva, the destroyer among the three key Hindu Gods. During the festival, the gigantic wood-carved mask of Sweta Bhairav, or White Bhairav, is shown to people at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu Durbar Square and attracts hundreds of devotees.

This tall, blue mask, which is kept hidden throughout the year, depicts popping eyes and teeth with an intimidating look. In one weird custom, Newari alcohol, aila flows through the mask's mouth and drains out as 'prasad' to fall into the waiting vessels of devotees who collect and drink the liquid for good luck.

During Indra Jatra, for eight days, Bhairav masks come out in different parts of Kathmandu, with the biggest ones located at Durbar Square and at Indra Chowk. The Aakash Bhairab mask at Indra Chowk is associated with Mahabharata, carries special importance, and according to some, it is the head of the first Kirat King Yalambar. Each night, people come together at Indra Chowk and sing hymns to make the festival even more lively.

Rising of Yosin or Lingo Pole 

The raising of the Yosin, also known as the Lingo or Indradhwoj Linga, is a major highlight of the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu. This impressive event marks the beginning of the festival.

The Yosin is a tall wooden pole, usually made from a single sal tree from the Nala forest in the Kavre district. It stands about 36 feet high and is topped with a colorful flag. The pole is set up in front of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Raising the Yosin is a complex and traditional process.

First, the pole is brought to Kathmandu with a great ceremony. Once it arrives, priests perform purification rituals to prepare it for the festival. A team then raises the pole manually using ropes and traditional techniques. After the Yosin is upright, it stays in place for the entire eight-day festival.

The Yosin represents the banner pole of Indra, the god of rain and harvest in Hindu mythology. Raising it signals the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the autumn season in Nepal. It is believed to bring good fortune and protect the city from evil during the festival.

At the end of Indra Jatra, people lower the Yosin. The direction in which the pole falls is thought to predict the country's fortune for the coming year.

Mask Dances 

During Indra Jatra, Kathmandu comes alive with various dances, especially in Durbar Square and along the festival routes. These dances bring excitement and cultural richness to the festival, attracting both locals and tourists.

One popular dance is the Pulu Kisi (or Pulukisi). Here, a performer dressed as a white elephant represents Indra's elephant, the god of rain and harvest. The dance is fun and interactive, with the performer engaging playfully with the audience.

Another well-known dance is the Majipa Lakhey. In this dance, the performer wears a scary mask with large, prominent teeth. The Lakhey, though a demon, is also seen as a protector of children. The dance is lively and features strong, vigorous movements.

The Sawa Bhakku dance features a performer with a large mask and sharp teeth. This dance represents a fierce demon or deity and uses loud music to help drive away evil spirits.

The Māhākāli Pyakhan dance honors Mahakali, a powerful form of the goddess Durga. Dancers wear masks that show different forms of Mahakali and perform detailed steps that display their strength and grace.

Devi Pyakhan includes various dances that honor different Hindu goddesses. These dances often tell stories from Hindu mythology and are both entertaining and meaningful.

These dances are not just for fun but are deeply cultural and religious. They are believed to bring good luck, drive away evil, and pay respect to the gods. The masks used are considered sacred and are carefully made by skilled artisans.

Dagin procession 

The Dagin procession is another important part of the Indra Jatra festival, symbolizing a mother’s search for her lost child. This reenactment reflects the myth of Indra’s mother searching for him, adding a deep emotional touch to the festival.

The procession begins around 8 pm on the day of Kwaneyā, coinciding with the return of the Kumari’s chariot to Maru Square. It starts with a man wearing a special mask representing the goddess Dagin, accompanied by musicians playing sorrowful and hopeful tunes.

A unique feature of this procession is the participation of people who have lost loved ones in the past year. Their presence helps to acknowledge and share grief within the community.

The procession travels through key parts of the town, starting from a small alley in Maru Square, moving past Kasthamandap, and going through areas like Asan, Pyaphal, and Hanuman Dhoka before returning to Maru.

The Dagin procession honors those who have experienced loss, brings the community together, and keeps alive traditional stories. It links the past with the present, creating a meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Who celebrates Indra Jatra?

Indra Jatra is celebrated primarily by the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. As one of the most important Newar festivals in Nepal, it involves various rituals, traditional dances, and processions. Many other communities in Nepal also celebrate the festival, and it marks the worship of Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven in Hindu mythology. It attracts people from all over the country, and even tourists, who come to witness the vibrant cultural displays and religious significance of the event.

Religious Importance of Indra Jatra 

Indra Jatra has deep cultural importance in Nepal, combining religion, history, and social customs into one big celebration. The festival honors Indra, the god of rain, which is vital in a country where farming is a key part of life. The story of Indra being captured by locals shows how people and nature are connected, reminding everyone of the balance between human life and natural forces.

The festival also celebrates Bhairava, a powerful form of Lord Shiva. The large masks of Bhairava, especially Akash Bhairava, represent the protective power of the gods. These masks, only seen during Indra Jatra, make the festival feel even more special and sacred.

Kumari, the living goddess is the core of this festival. Her chariot procession through streets serves to connect those human beings with that which is divine in nature. The Kumari thus symbolizes Nepal's rich traditions and values. Her occasional public appearance during the Indra Jatra is one keenly respected by the people and connec6ts the people to their cultural heritage.

The Indra Jatra also promotes traditional art forms, such as the Mahakali dance narrating old tales, and therefore enables the culture to be continued. These dramas thus portray important myths and the history of a culture to the succeeding generations and make them strong.

Historically, it had political significance during the festival. In Indra Jatra, the king used to receive blessings from Kumari showing a close relationship between religion and leadership. Even today, government leaders still participate in this festival thus reflecting its importance to the national identity of Nepal.

For local communities, Indra Jatra is a time for social gatherings, family celebrations, and shared traditions. This festival brings people together through rituals, food, music, and dance, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere.

Suggestions  for attending Indra Jatra in Kathmandu Valley 

• For the best views of Indra Jatra, go to Durbar Square for the main performances, Hanuman Dhoka for the pole-raising ceremony, and Asan or Indra Chowk to see the chariot processions up close.
• The living goddess Kumari makes a rare public appearance during Indra Jatra. Her procession usually starts around 3 PM on the fourth day of the festival. Head to Hanuman Dhoka Palace early to secure a good view, as large crowds gather for this unique moment.
• The festival has an interesting story behind each aspect, so learning about it before attending can make the experience more exciting.
• Don’t miss the masked dances, which are a central part of the festival.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square remains open to tourists during Indra Jatra, making it a great spot for photos.
• The festival attracts large crowds, especially around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Arrive early to secure a good spot to view the processions, Lakhey dance, and Kumari’s chariot procession.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll likely be standing or walking for extended periods. Traditional attire is appreciated but not required.
• While it’s okay to take pictures, be respectful of locals and avoid taking photos during sensitive moments of the rituals.
• Carry water, snacks, and a camera for the long festivities, but keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpockets are common in crowded areas.
• The weather can be unpredictable with sudden rain showers, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella or raincoat to stay prepared.

The cultural and social atmosphere during Indra Jatra in the Kathmandu Valley

The cultural and social atmosphere during Indra Jatra in the Kathmandu Valley is full of energy and excitement. As one of the biggest Kathmandu festivals, it is celebrated by the Newar community and attracts people from all over. The streets of Kathmandu are decorated, and everyone comes together to honor Lord Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven. People gather to watch colorful parades, traditional dances, and religious rituals over several days.

Some of the major highlights of Indra Jatra include the chariot procession of Kumari, the Living Goddess. The idols of Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairab are taken out along with Kumari, seated in nicely decorated chariots through the streets by thousands of people lining up to catch a glimpse of the passing chariots, music is played, mantras are chanted, and drums are beaten to create an atmosphere of festivity.

There are special dances performed in view of the festival. One is the Lakhe dance, where performers wear huge and scary masks and dance through the city. This is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Another attraction is the display of a giant mask of Lord Indra shown in the durbar square.

The night is fully occupied with the lighting of oil lamps, visits to temples, and people enjoying traditional food. This festival is not only significant from a religious point of view, but it also reinforces communal bonds.

Conclusion 

Indra Jatra is one of the most energetic and significant parts of Nepal's cultural heritage, where old traditions come together with modern celebrations. This vibrant festival merges different communities into one and comprises rituals, dances, and exciting processions. Certain events, like raising the Yosin pole and the living goddess Kumari, hold special significance. The streets of Kathmandu are lined with music, dancing, and devotion during the festival. Indra Jatra is a rare opportunity to gain insight into Nepalese culture, where old and new blend in celebration and faith, for both locals and visitors. Not only does the festival pay homage to ancient gods, but it also strengthens communities, making this festival truly incomparable in Nepal's yearly calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When is Indra Jatra this year in 2024/ 2081? 

This year Indra Jatra will be celebrated on September 15, 2024. This is the first day of Ashwin in the Nepali calendar.

2. How long does Indra Jatra last? 

It lasts for approximately eight days, starting with the main one, and other activities continue in the week.

3. What should I wear to Indra Jatra? 

You are not necessarily required to wear traditional clothes, but it is ideal to wear comfortable, bright-colored attire that matches the festive mood. Casual wear is quite all right to enjoy the festivities.

4. Can tourists attend Indra Jatra?  

 Yes, tourists definitely can join in the celebration. It's a great chance to see and experience the Nepali culture themselves

5. What food is eaten during Indra Jatra? 

During Indra Jatra, people enjoy a variety of traditional foods such as Yomari (sweet dumplings), chiura (beaten rice), black soybeans, Chatamari, Choila, samaya baji, boiled beans, and Ayla (a type of alcohol). 

6. Is Indra Jatra only celebrated in Kathmandu? 

 It’s mainly celebrated in Kathmandu with big processions and events. However, other places in Nepal also celebrate it in their way.

7. How old is the Indra Jatra festival? 

Indra Jatra is over 1,000 years old, dating back to the 10th century. It is among one of the oldest festivals in Nepal with a rich history.

8. How crowded is Kathmandu during Indra Jatra? 

Kathmandu gets very crowded during Indra Jatra. Many people come to enjoy the festival, so the streets are lively and packed with locals and tourists.