Kathmandu. Indra Jatra festival is being celebrated today by worshiping Devraj Indra, the god of rain and co-existence.

This festival is celebrated every year on the day of Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and Dolakha. On the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi, this jatra is celebrated for eight days by performing various types of dance, rath yatra and worship of gods and goddesses in front of Hanumandhoka.

The lingo erected on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi is also known as ‘Indradhwajutthan’. Bhairav is worshiped at the base of the lingo. Indra Jatra is celebrated as a festival to celebrate victory after the defeat of the enemy. Indra Jatra is also considered as a festival to worship Indradhwaj and display power.

Earlier, the tree touched by the goat left in chitpol forest of Bhaktapur after worshiping it through tantric method is cut on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwitiya. After cutting, lingo is also seen to be brought to the valley. After being brought to the Valley, one night in Bhotahiti, the lingo of Indradhwaja is prepared on the day of Ekadashi.

It is customary for the President to observe the rath yatra of Shri Ganesh, Shri Bhairav and Shri Kumari, who are living goddesses, in the gaddi meeting at Hanumandhoka on the main indrajatra festival celebrated on this day. As long as there was a monarchy, there was a tradition of watching the rath yatra of Shri Ganesh, Shri Bhairav and Shri Kumari from the king.

Bhakkunach, Mahakali Nach, Lakhenach, Dashavatar and Pulukisi dance are performed as symbols of The Airavat Elephant, the vehicle of Devraj Indra.

According to theologian Toyaraj Nepal, there is a scriptural arrangement to fight on the night of Bharani Nakshatra, ‘Bharanyam Nishi Patyet’, which is the eighth day after the lingo of Indradhwaja, i.e. on the day of Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi.

On this occasion, devotees gather at Indradaha in Dahachowk in the western part of the Valley to take a holy dip on Sunday on the day of Bhadra Shukla Purnima.

Anant Chaturdashi

On the day of Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, Lord Vishnu is also worshiped. Therefore, this day is also known as Anant Chaturdashi. Today, it is believed that it will be auspicious throughout the year by tying eternal mantras on a clean thread.

According to theologian Nepal, there is a classical law to chant the mantra today as he did not get the mantra for any reason on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima. According to the committee, the fast of Ananta Chaturdashi should also be observed today. After celebrating IndraJatra on Chaturdashi, there is a religious ritual to go to Indradaha on the full moon day and bathe.