KATHMANDU: Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of the Kathmandu Valley, formally began today with the erection of a wooden ceremonial pole (lingo) at Hanumandhoka. The festival dedicated to Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven, is celebrated for eight days. On the occasion, Lakhe dance are performed on the streets of Kathmandu. Meanwhile, the lingo, brought to Hanumandhoka from a jungle in Bhaktapur, was erected with the help of locals and personnel from Nepal Army and Armed Police Force. The lingo-erection procession was marked with fanfare.