KATHMANDU, JUNE 8
Residents of Panauti are set to celebrate the three-day Hilejatra, also known as Jaya: Punhi, starting tomorrow. The festival marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the paddy planting season.
Considered the biggest local festival, Hilejatra features worship in all temples across the town. A key highlight is the chariot procession of the Ganesh idol from the eastern side of the Indreshwar Mahadev temple.
On the full moon day, chariots of Bhadrakali, Mahadev, and Indreshwar are raced through the market at dawn, traditionally clashing when they meet.
The festival also includes feasting and hospitality, with locals inviting guests to their homes.
