By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Sept. 26: President Ramchandra Paudel observed the Indra Jatra, the famous vibrant festival of Kathmandu on Friday.
Following centuries-old customs, President Ramchandra Paudel visited Basantapur to observe the Indra Jatra festival. He was welcomed by Sunita Dangol, the Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Acting Prime Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Speaker of the House of Representative Dol Prasad Aryal, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers from various ministries, lawmakers, the police chief, provincial assembly members, and local government representatives, among others, attended the event and observed the Jatra from the balcony of Gaddi Baithak.
Large crowds gathered at Basantapur to celebrate the festival. The playing of traditional Newari instruments along with Lakhe and other dances, created a lively atmosphere around Hanumandhoka.
The dances were performed before the chariot procession of the three living deities began. The chariots were pulled after President Paudel paid respect to Goddess Kumari and the gods Ganesh and Bhairav.
The chariots pass through Maru Tole, Jya Baha, Lagan Tole, Bhimsensthan, Jaisedewal, and Kohity before returning to Kumari Ghar via Bhimsensthan.
The chariot procession of Shree Kumari, Shree Ganesh, and Shree Bhairav, considered the main attraction of Indra Jatra, will take place over three days.
Lakhe Aju, Pulukisi, and Halchowk Akash Bhairav participate in the chariot procession over the course of the three days.
Performances such as the Devi dance, Mahakali dance, and Dash Avatar are key highlights of the festival.
During Indra Jatra, there is a tradition of distributing traditional rice beer (Jaand) as prasad (sacred offering) from the mouth of the deity Shwet Bhairav at Hanuman Dhoka.
The Rising Nepal
