KATHMANDU, Sept 25: Guests from the United States of America and China will visit Nepal to observe the Indra Jatra festival in the Kathmandu Valley, said the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Indra Jatra is one of the biggest festivals observed in the Kathmandu Valley and is connected with the identity of the Valley. 

The KMC informed about this at a press conference on Monday. A total of 22 guests from both the countries will visit Kathmandu to participate in the festival, said the KMC Spokesperson Nabin Manandhar. Guests from Fredericksburg City of the US, and Nanjing, Chengdu and Zhengzhou cities of China will come to witness the event, he added. 

“With the aim of promoting Indra Jatra at the international level, the KMC since 2076 has been inviting guests from the municipalities in foreign countries with which sister relations have been established. Preparations are underway for those guests to visit and observe the heritage sites in the Hanuman Dhoka  Durbar Square, Handigaun, Swayambhu and Bhaktapur Durbar Square,” he said, “All guests will arrive on Tuesday.” 

On the first day of the festival, the participants will tour the city of Kathmandu and pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls. This year, the main day of the Indra Jatra festival falls on September 28. The management has increased special security for that day in view of massive crowds. On that day, 180 volunteers will be mobilized, and Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the KMC police will provide special security.  

Keeping in view the risk of fire incidents that may take place during the festival, a fire engine has also been arranged. On Nanicha Ya:, the last day of the festival on October  2 , vehicles will be barred from entering the Hanuman Dhoka premises, Pyaphal, Naradevi, Kilagh, Bheda Singh, Indra Chowk and Makhan area. 

According to the program schedule, erecting a lingo (a wooden pole) will take place on September 26 at 10:37AM. Similarly, on September 27, the Rath-yatra (chariot procession) will take place after worshiping the living goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav. Similarly, on October 2, the last day of the festival, the wooden pole will be brought down at 8:37PM. 

There is a tradition that the Head of State visits and worships the living goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav during the festival. It is believed that the practice of the Indra Jatra started during the reign of King Jaya Prakash Malla. 

 
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