KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The Indra Jatra festival has formally started with the erection of lingo (sacred wooden pole) at Hanuman Dhoka in Basantapur Durbar Square on Tuesday.

According to the long-held tradition, Indra Jatra starts properly after the lingo at Hanuman Dhoka is erected. During Indra Jatra, the idols of all the deities related to Indra Jatra are also brought out for public display.

Indrajatra is a festival traditionally celebrated by the Newars in Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Dolakha and other places along with Kathmandu by worshiping Indra, the god of rain.

Indra Jatra is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Kathmandu. The main ritual of the Intra Jatra is the installation of the lingo.

Thye Hanuman Dhoka Durbar area, which is adorned with many monasteries and temples built in the 12th to 18th centuries, is the origin of this Jatra. Starting from Indradhwajotthan on the day of Bhadra Shuklapaksha Yalathwa Duwadashi, this Jatra is completed with various dances, songs and chariot processions for eight days.

 
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