Indra Jatra begins

The religious festival, Indrajatra, which is mainly celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, has kicked off from Monday. This festival begins after a long wooden pole called “Indradhwojnthan” is erected in front of Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur in order to propitiate the Lord Indra. The pole was erected after worshipping the pole with Indradhoja at 7:15 am at Hanuman Dhoka. It lasts for eight days with singing, mask dancing and rejoicing. Indrajatra festival falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar. It is celebrated in the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley and in Kavre and Dolakha also. Indra, the Hindu god of rain and good harvest, is worshipped in this festival. The festival is celebrated by both the Hindus and Buddhists.There is the tradition of bringing the pole from Chittapole of Bhaktapur district, said chairman of the Indrajatra Management Committee Mangal Krishna Manandhar. Similarly, the age-old Indrajatra festival carrying religious and cultural importance has begun in Bhaktapur from today. Marking the occasion, a small lingo or pole was raised to resemble the statue of Lord Indra in different toles of the district. The pole thus raised is known as Yambodho in Newar language. The Yambodho has been raised as per religious worshipping at Tekhapukhu, Bansagopal, Nasamana, Bulucha, Sakotha, Bholanche, Suryamadhi, Khauma, Itache and other areas. Legends said that the Indrajatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra. The Indrajatra festival is observed for eight days in Bhaktapur. source: Himalayan Times, 16 Sept 2013