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Indra Jatra has formally begun in Kathmandu Valley.

The biggest festival of the Valley began with the installation of a wooden pole (lingo) in the premises of Hanumandhoka, Basantapur Durbar Square on Tuesday.

The festival dedicated to Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven, is celebrated for eight days.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has banned vehicles in the area where the Indra Jatra procession will take place.

The metropolis has restricted the movement of all types of vehicles in Basantapur, Maru, Chingamukal, Jaisidewal, Lagan, Brahmatole, Kohiti, Bhimsensthan on Thursday.

The movement of vehicles has been restricted in Basantapur, Pyafal, Yatkha, Naradevi, Tengal, Nyukha, Nhektala, Machhindrabahal, Indrachowk, Makhan and Hanumandhoka on Friday and Basantapur, Pyafal, Yatkha, Naradevi, Kilagh, Bhedasingh, Indrachowk and Makhan on Saturday.

On this occasion, Lakhe dance are performed on the streets of Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the lingo, brought to Hanumandhoka from a jungle in Bhaktapur, was erected with the help of locals and Nepal Army personnel.

The lingo-erection procession was marked with fanfare.

Preparations for Indra Jatra, one of the biggest festivals of Kathmandu Valley, have begun.

As a part of the preparations, Gaddi Baithak in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu is being painted for the Indra Jatra. Kumarighar and other temples are also being decorated for the festival.

Chariots of Kumari, Bhairav ​​and Ganesh are also kept ready for Indra Jatra while the wooden log, called Ya Sin in Nepalbhasa, has been brought to Hanumandhoka on Saturday.

The festival will begin after the erection of the wooden log outside Hanumandhoka Palace amidst a ritual in the morning of September 26.

Along with Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur on Kathmandu, the festival is also celebrated in Dulikhel and Dolakha among other places.

The festival will conclude on October 2.

Preparations for the Indra Jatra are a vibrant and culturally rich affair that begins well in advance of the main event. The annual traditional festival begins on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, according to the Nepali calendar. The main festival of Indra Jatra falls on September 28 this year.

The festival involves colorful masks and costumes. Tej Bahadur Chitrakar and Narendra Chitrakar seem busy painting the masks of deities including the ‘Halchok Bhairav’ and ‘Dee: Pyakhan’ dance mask, as well as ‘Pulukisi’ (white elephant). These masks are an essential part of the festival’s cultural performances, including the famous Lakhe.

Temples, shrines, and historic sites around the Kathmandu Valley are being given a makeover with repainting, and adorned with colorful decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

The neo-classical palace also known as Gaddi Baithak is also being given a facelift. Gigantic chariots, each dedicated to a specific deity like Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesha, are kept outside the Gaddi Baithk ahead of the festival.

The performers, often from the local communities, have started practicing the traditional dances associated with different gods, goddesses, and demons for the festival.

Indra Jatra was started by King Gunakamadeva to commemorate the founding of Kathmandu city in the 10th century. The celebrations are held according to the lunar calendar.

As Indra Jatra approaches, the enthusiasm and excitement become palpable. The festival not only celebrates Nepal’s rich cultural heritage but also brings the community together in a spirit of unity and devotion.

It’s a time when locals and visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant colors, rituals, and traditions that define Nepal’s unique cultural identity.