KATHMANDU: Valley denizens are observing Indra Jatra, the eight day long Hindu festival, on Thursday. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to Lord Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven as per the Hindu epics. On the first day of the festival a long wooden pole is erected in front of Hanuman Dhoka to plead with Lord Indra to call off the rainy season. This is followed by a possession of Kumari, the living goddess, on a chariot on the third day. Kumari is also considered an avatar of goddess Taleju.

Today, the eighth and final day, is devoted to merry making with rejoicing, dancing, singing and feasting.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav along with the top brass of the state including the Prime Minister, Ministers, CA chairman, representatives of different diplomatic countries and high level officials among others will be attending a function scheduled to be organised at Hanuman Dhoka in the afternoon.