KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Sunday marks Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi, according to the lunar calendar. From today, the main festival of the Kathmandu Valley, Indra Jatra, begins. This festival is celebrated by worshiping Indra, the god of rain and prosperity, and is also known as "Yenya Punhi" in the Newar community.
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This festival begins after the erection of the lingo (ceremonial wooden pole) with the Indra Dhwaja (Indra's flag) in front of Hanuman Dhoka. It is celebrated for eight days with various dances, chariot processions, and worship of deities. Indra Jatra is also regarded as a festival where people gain strength by worshiping the Indra Dhwaja.
Indra Jatra is traditionally celebrated with great enthusiasm in places like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, and Dolakha. The main day of Indra Jatra is Tuesday, September 17 (Ashoj 1). On this day, it is customary for the head of state to pay homage to Lord Ganesh, Bhairav, and living goddess-Kumari. The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley on that day.
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