Kathmandu, Nepal: The annual Indra Jatra festival has commenced in the Kathmandu Valley. The festivities began with the hoisting of a lingo, a sacred symbol, in front of Hanumandhoka.
Indra Jatra is a vibrant eight-day celebration that includes chariot processions of Ganesha, Bhairava, and Kumari, worship of various deities, and traditional dances. The main day of the festival falls on September 17, when the President traditionally observes the festivities. On this day, the government also declares a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley.
Indra, the god of rain and season, is the central deity of this festival. Indra Jatra is celebrated with particular enthusiasm in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavre, Dolakha, and other surrounding districts.
