KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 4

Indra Jatra, the festival of rain and good harvest, began today in Bhaktapur with the installation of a towering wooden pole, known as Yambo:Dho in Nepal Bhasa, symbolizing Lord Indra.

The eight-day festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm especially among Newa communities, features cultural highlights such as the Lakhe dance, the Pulu Kisi procession, and the pulling of chariots of Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab through the city streets.

Traditionally, the head of state pays homage to the living goddess Kumari, along with Ganesh and Bhairab, during the festivities.

Cultural expert Om Dhaubhadel noted that Indra Jatra commemorates the victory of gods over demons to free Lord Indra's son, Jayanta.

The festival is also observed in Kavrepalanchowk and Dolakha, with the main day falling on Bhadra Shukla Chathurdashi, the fourth day of the waxing moon in the lunar calendar.