KATHMANDU: The Indra Jatra festival, which falls on September 3 this year, is held in honour of Lord Indra, the god of rain and the king of heaven. The festival is celebrated for eight days starting from duadashi during which chariot processions, various masked dances and feasts are held.

According to cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi there are various legends as to why this festival is held. “During Vedic age there was a battle between the gods and the demons, Lord Indra with the support of Lord Narayan defeated the demons, and to celebrate this victory the festival was held, the flags that are put up, signify this victory,” said Joshi. There is another popular mythical story related to this, “Lord Indra’s mother needed Parijat flowers so Lord Indra came to Kathmandu Valley to get them, but denizens of the valley thought he had come to steal those flowers and so captured him. Later when they realised their mistake to ask for forgiveness the festival was organised in honour of Lord Indra.”

The setting up of the lingum or a long wooden pole at Hanuman Dhoka marks the beginning of this festival, which was held on September 1. Chariot procession of living goddess Kumari, incarnation of goddess

Taleju, along with Ganesh and Bhairab is taken out on the third day (September 3). These processions are held for three days. According to Joshi it was during the time of king Jaya Prakash Malla that this tradition began.

There are various other interesting events that take place during the eight days like images of Lord Indra put up around various places in the valley and animal sacrifices are made, the Seto Bhairab and Akash Bhairab are especially displayed during these days.

The lakhe dance, dasha avatars or the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu being showcased in the evenings in front of Kumari ghar, the masked dances held mainly at Hanuman Dhoka and surrounding areas are other activities marking this festival.

The festival ends with the lowering of the lingum which is taken to a river, on the eighth day .