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Indra Jatra
According to legends, it is believed that the mother of Lord Intra required a Parijat( a white flower) to perform a ritual. For which Lord Indra descended to earth in search of the flower. He disguised himself as a commoner and while trying to take the flower out of the lawn of a Jyapu. He caught Lord Indra and held him captive blaming him of trying to steal. Lord Indra was imprisoned and not allowed to go back to heaven.
Amongst the great celebrations of this valley, nothing beats the pomp and flair of Yenya Punhi. Commonly known as Indra Jatra- a name derived from the lore of Indra- the heaven king's visit to Nepal. This festival is larger than life, with symbolism and meaning going back thousands of years- neatly preserved by the Newars.
Indra Jatra, one of the highly celebrated street festival in Nepal marks beginning of the festival season and the beginning of a tourist season in Nepal. The festival is celebrated in the oldest town Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu by the local community with huge arrangements. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in procession through the streets. People wear masks of various goddess and exhibit by dancing in the streets on music played with traditional musical instruments.
