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Indra Jatra Festival Kicks Off in Kathmandu with Sacred Flag Installation
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News18•23-09-2026, 20:45
Indra Jatra Festival Kicks Off in Kathmandu with Sacred Flag Installation
- •The Indra Jatra festival, Kathmandu Valley's largest, commenced with the installation of the Indradhwaj, a 16-meter sacred wooden pole representing the flag of Indra, the God of rains.
- •The Indradhwaj, also known as Yansi in Newari, was erected in front of Kalbhairav Temple at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, marking the festival's official start.
- •The week-long festival seeks blessings from Indra for sufficient rain and features traditional dances, chariot processions, and worship of deities.
- •Key events include the presentation of Dashawatar (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) and daily chariot processions.
- •On the main day, the President receives tika from Kumari, the living Goddess, making it a significant cultural and tourist attraction.
Key Questions Answered
The Indra Jatra festival begins with the installation of the Indradhwaj, a sacred 16-metre wooden pole also known as Yansi, in front of the Kalbhairav Temple at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. Traditional dances are also presented during this ritual.
Indra Jatra is performed to receive blessings from Indra, the King of Heaven and God of rains, whose presence is associated with sufficient rain just before winter to ensure a good harvest.
The week-long festival features various traditional dances, daily chariot processions, and the worship of deities. Key highlights include the presentation of Dashawatar at Basantapur Durbar Square and the President receiving tika from Kumari, the living Goddess, on the main day.
