Devotees Celebrate Festival Season in Kathmandu with Vibrant Parade

Kathmandu, Nepal, witnessed a spectacular display of cultural devotion on September 30, 2023, as tens of thousands gathered to celebrate the Indra Jatra festival. This vibrant event marks the beginning of a monthslong festival season in the predominantly Hindu nation, drawing crowds to the historic palace in the city’s heart.

The streets of Kathmandu were alive with music and dance, as men and boys donned colorful masks and traditional gowns representing various Hindu deities. These performances, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, captivated onlookers, while families celebrated together with feasts and lit incense in honor of their ancestors at nearby shrines.

This year’s Indra Jatra festival, which lasts for a week, is the first of several significant celebrations in Nepal, including the widely celebrated Dasain later this month and Tihar, also known as Diwali, in October. Each of these festivals holds deep cultural and religious significance within the community.

One of the festival’s most poignant moments involves the revered figure of Kumari, a young girl considered a living goddess in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Devotees pulled a wooden chariot carrying Kumari through the narrow streets, where worshippers, including Nepal’s president and prime minister, lined up to pay their respects.

The Indra Jatra festival celebrates the end of the monsoon and the rice farming season, heralding the arrival of fall. Primarily observed by the Newar community, the festival is often referred to as the festival of deities and demons, honoring Indra, the Hindu god of rain.

Among the festival’s highlights are the masked dancers, whose performances can evoke fear, joy, or awe depending on their movements. These displays not only entertain but also preserve the rich heritage and traditions of the region, allowing both locals and visitors to connect with Nepal’s vibrant cultural identity.

As the festival season unfolds, it offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted customs that define the fabric of Nepalese society, showcasing the unity and spirit of its people.