Indra Jatra

Every September the Festival Indra Jatra takes places which continues for eight days during which there is much rejoicing, dancing and feasting.. In Hinduism, Indra is the King of heaven and also the god of rain and adequacy.One of the main events in this festival is pulling the three-tiered chariot of the Royal Kumari accompanied by Pulukishi(Lord Ganesh) and Lord Bhairav through Kathmandu on the third and fourth days.Other attractions are the Lakhes(persons wearing mask of horrific features)

devotees pulling the chariot of Royal Kumari

History :
Legend says that once Lord Indra came to earth in search of a unique flower called Parijat for his mother(Dakine Devi) to make offerings to Lord Shiva.As Indra sneaked into a garden, the gardener (who was a great Tantric) bound Indra within his spiritual powers.When Indra did not return for long his mother herself came to earth and found out that her son was caught in Tantrik's control.After tough negotiations she finally succeeded to free her son.She then promised
enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a rich crop.Since then Indra Jatra is celebrated every year.

The royal Kumari

The festival took place in Basantapur in kathmandu

The chariot of Royal kumari which is pulled through Kathmandu city

The traditional dancers.

I took this picture in the evening when the festival was about to end.

Lakhe (person wearing horrific mask who dances throughout the festival)His mask is of Lord Bhairav.

The chariot of Lord Bhairav

The army playing their religious band on the occasion

The classical and traditional music players

People were rejoicing and dancing to offer their respect to lord Indra

Thousands of devotees attended the festival with great respect and enthusiasm as well.

(There was so much crowd and was difficult to shoot with my tiny n95 camera.I really missed my camera this time but i managed to take few shots though the photos did not come out great anyways I hope these could entertain all.)