For the first time since its origin, community with the request from the government has decided to observe Indrajatra Festival limiting to the temples this year to prevent the possibility of spread of COVID-19.

Chairman of Indrajatra Management Committee Gautam Ratna Shakya said tht they have decided to observe the festival limiting it to the temple respecting the decision of the government. “We will perform all the rituals and practices within the temple,” said Shakya.

The festival was observed even the assault of Gorkha ruler or on the day of takeover of Kathmandu. Culture expert Purshottam Lochan Shrestha said that it is a wise decision to cancel the festivals to prevent the spread of pandemic. “It is a wise decision by the community and government to cancel it. Human life is precious.”

The eight-day long Indra Jatra festival falls in September and is one of the most exciting and revered festivals of the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. This also marks the beginning of a month-long festival season of autumn. It begins with the erection of a wooden pole made of pine at Basantapur Sqaure in front of the old Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

For the pole-raising ceremony, hundreds of spectators gather at the Palace Square and on the surrounding temples. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in a procession through the main streets of Kathmandu.

Living Goddess Kumari being carried on a palanquin during the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Masked dancers known as Lakhay take to the streets almost every evening accompanied by loud drums. The festival commemorates the time when Indra came down from heaven in human form to look for an herb.

Each night of Indra Jatra the shrines and ancient palace buildings around Kathmandu Durbar Square are aglow with oil wicks. Each night on the platform in front of the temple of the Living Goddess, there is an enactment depicting the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The large image of Akash Bhairab's head is put on display out in the open directly facing his temple at Indra Chowk.

Living Goddess Kumari takes a peek out of the window of one of the historical sites in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal.

In the afternoon of the day before full moon, ecstatic mobs gather near Hanuman Dhoka Palace for the long-awaited Living Goddess’ chariot procession to catch a glimpse of the revered little Newar girl who has been deified as Kumari representing Goddess Taleju.

The chariot of the Kumari followed by two other smaller chariots carrying a representative of Ganesh and Bhairav is taken to different parts of the old Kathmandu through the narrow alleys where people gather to watch and py homage. The festival of Indra Jatra ends with the lowering of the (lingam) pole bearing Indra's flag amidst religious ceremonies.

Photo Courtesy: Sulabh Shrestha/ Deshsanchar