South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, Sept 23: The formal events of the Indra Jatra festival have commenced from today with the performance of the ‘Yansi Thanegu (Indradhwajotthan)’ rituals at the auspicious hour of 7:47 this morning. Yansi, a sacred wooden pole, has been erected in front of Kalbhairav nearby Hanumandhoka Kageshwori Temple. It is a customary for the Manandhar community from Nhyas Naya and Chaswad tole to be mandatorily present in this task. Chairperson of Indrajatra Management Committee Gautam Shakya shared that Dipyankha (Goddess dance) was also presented on the occasion. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu metropolitan city, Sunita Dangol, people’s representatives, locals and devotees were present on the occasion of the Indradhwajotthan rituals. The main chariot procession of Indra Jatra would begin from September 25. Indra Jatra festival is traditionally associated with the celebration of victory after defeating enemies. The eight-day festival features various traditional dances, chariot processions, and worship of deities. Chariot procession of the deities Kumari, Ganesh, Bhairav is being conducted under leadership of local women since last 14 years. On the last day of the festival, there is a custom of receiving tika by the President from Kumari, the living god