Mythological belief and connection with Lord Indra
There are lots of stories that tell the origin of the Indra Jatra festival in Nepal. The festival has deep roots in ancient mythology. According to the locals, the Lord Indra, the Hindu god of rain and heaven, descended to Earth to retrieve sheaves of rice that had been stolen from heaven by local farmers.
He was captured by locals when they found him. His mother descend from heaven to rescue him. In return, she promises the people that their crops will receive sufficient dew in the winter in exchange for his release. So, from this day on, the celebration started as a form of gratitude for the rains essential for farming.
Historical Background of Indra Jatra
The history of Indra Jatra is huge, dating back to the Lakhavi and Malla dynasties. It is said that the earliest record of Indra Jatra were made in almost 2,000 years to the Licchavi dynasty rule. Thereafter, the Malla kings standardized their rituals during the medieval era with patronage. The celebrations expanded in the 19th century as the shah dynasty pronounced Kumari processions as an official annual event at the day.
Legends also says that indra jatra history is linked with King Gunakamadeva. The king initiated this grand festival to thank Lord Indra for providing much-needed rainfall to end a severe drought. The actual incorporation of the Kumari Jatra into the festival occurred later, around the 18th century, under King Jay Prakash Malla
Main Rituals and Activities of the Indra Jatra
The indra jatra festival is celebrated by performing various rituals and activities. There are various rituals and activities performed, like Yosin or Linga Erection, Kumari Jatra: Masked Dances, Indra's Capture, and so on.
The Yopsin, or linga erection, is a main ritual in the Indra Jatra celebrations in Kathmandu. The yosin is a tall wooden structure, around 36 feet high, crafted from a pine tree sourced from the forest near Nala. It is stripped of its branches and bark. The pole erection ceremony takes place in Karhmandu Durbar Square.
The Yosin, or Linga Erection, holds great importance in the celebrations of the festival. The raising of the yosin pole is not an easy job. According to tradition, the pole represents the flag given to Indra by Lord Vishnu for protection. The ceremony begins with the careful transportation of the Yosin pole from its forest origin to Durbar Square. In the process, the men pull the pole using the ropes. The pole is erected slowly and deliberately.
Kumari jatra is an important part of the Indra jatra festival in Kathmandu. This event began in 1756 AD, during the reign of King Jaya Prakash malla. The main part of the goddess Kumari jatra is a grand chariot procession featuring three intricately designed chariots carrying human entations of the deities Ganesh, Bhairava, and Kumari.
The chariot procession lasts three days. On the first day, the chariots go throughthe southern part of the city. On the second and third day, the chariot passes through the northern and central part of the city, respectively. The rituals and traditions incorporated with Kumari Jatra are:
Mata Biye: Offering butter lamps to honor deceased family members
Dagin Procession: Re-enacting the tale of Indra's mother searching for her lost son
Bau Mata- featuring a long representation of a holy snake made of reeds, adorned with oil lamps
During the Indra Jatra festival celebrations, various masked dances were performed, including Pulu Kisi, Majipa Lakhey, Sawa Bhakku, Devi Pykhan, and Mahakali Pykhan. These dances displays Newar community's cultural identity and artistic expression, invoke blessings from the deities, and celebrate the festival, helping to preserve and transmit cultural knowledge through generations.
These masked dances show the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Newar community. These performances are entertaining as well as carrying symbolic meanings related to the deities and the historical narratives of the festivals.
- Indra's Capture and Daga procession
The festival of Indra Jatra circles around the theme of indra’s capture and daga Procession. There is a narrative of Indra’s capture and procession of the Daga. The Daga erection and procession carry the Kumari jata. For this ritual, the locals gather together and celebrate the festival.
During the procession, music and traditional dances are performed. The Daga acts as a practical symbol for the community. The festival maintains the belief that the blessings of Indra and Dakini will safeguard the people and their harvest.
Cultural Significance
The Indra Jatra plays an important role in the cultural and social fabric of Kathmandu’s Newar community. The festival is a celebration of agricultural prosperity and communal unity. The colorful processions, traditional dances, and rituals of the festival are the reasons that the indra jatra has been remembered and celebrated for a long time.
The festival summarizes the the essence of newari community’s traditions, beliefs, and social values. It unites people of different religious and ethnic boundaries. Also, indra jatra influences modern-day arts, music, and dances while preserving the original theme of the artistic expressions, music, and heritage.
Celebrations in Kathmandu
During the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, the valley transforms into a vibrant spectacle of color, sound, and cultural expression. The festival features elaborate decorations, public gatherings, and various festivities that engage both locals and visitors. Some of the major places where the festival is celebrated are Hanuman Dhoka and Basantapur Durbar Square.
Each night, the ancient shrines and palace buildings around the Kathmandu durbar square are illuminated with oil lamps. The large image of Akash Bhairav’s head is prominently displayed at Indra Chowk, decorated with flowers. And the wooden pole known as Yosin or Indra Dhwaja is decorated with flowers and auspicious symbols.
In addition, each night of festival celebrations is marked by a series of exciting activities and cultural expressions. there are enactments depicting the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu, performed on a platform in front of the Kumari's temple. The various types of foods and idshes are prepared by street vendors. The whole atmosphere is filled with sounds of laughter, music and celebration.
Tips for attending the Indra Jatra festival celebrations
- Enjoy the Indra jatra in venues like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Maru Tole, Makhan Tole, and Thamel
- Visit nepal before the celebration of the Ishdra jatra to enjoy the pre-festival celebrations and preparations
- Dress modestly and avoid shorts and tank tops
- Use "Namaste" with a slight bow and hands pressed together to greet someone
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially during religious events
- Keep your valuables secure from pickpocketing and be aware of your surroundings
- Learn few phrases in Nepali to enhance your experience and interaction with local community
- Immerse yourself in the cultural spirit of the festival.
- After the festival celebrations, you can go for the treks like everest base camp short trek, annapurrna base camp short trek or mardi himal trek.
Conclusion
Indra jatra festival is an annual festival celebrated in kathmandu. The festival honours the lord indra, the hindu god of rain and the king of heaven. It lasts for 8 days and is deeply rooted in the Newari community. The indra jatra celebrations include various rituals and activities, including the Yosin or Linga Erection, Kumari Jatra, and the ending ceremony.
Kumari Jatra is also a part of the Indra Jatra, which features a grand chariot procession of varying human entations of the deities Ganesh, Bhairava, and Kumari. It is celebrated with various rituals and traditions, including mata biye, dagin procession, and baau mata, along with masked dances such as Pulu Kisi, Majipa Lakhey, Sawa Bhakku, Devi Pykhan, and Mahakali Pykhan.
