KATHMANDU
Laachaku Wyaka Samyabaji
Walla Walla Pulu Kishi
Saving Tansen's Ropai Jatra
These lines signify the fervor of Indra Jatra. And without samyabaji (an assortment of various Newari food items) and the Pulu Kishi procession, this festivity is simply unappealing.
However, after the erection of lingo or Indra Dhwaj (a sacred wooden pole) at Hanuman Dhoka in Basantapur Durbar Square on Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi, the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar, Indra Jatra which is also known as Yenya Punhi begins, formally.
It is celebrated for eight days where the fascinating Pulu Kishi procession too takes place with much fanfare from Kilagal, on the same day that fell on Saturday this year.
According to a legend, it is none other than Airawat - a vehicle of Lord Indra, King of heaven and the god of rain - who is seen roaming around the streets during the jatra in search of Lord Indra.
Indra Jatra is one of the most remarkable festivals of Kathmandu where the streets come alive with traditional music, mask dances, chariot processions, folk drama and more. And the procession of Pulu Kishi is one of the fascinating processions among other processions taken out during the jatra.
Here, My City’s team talks to the members of Kilagal Twaa Khala, Pulu Kishi procession management committee, about the jatra, managing people, significance of Pulu Kishi procession, and its historicity, among other issues.
