Indra Jatra is an ancient Newari festival in Nepal, where the living god Kumari will be shown across Basantapur and its surroundings. The Indra Jatra is also known as Yenya Punhi in the Newari language. Newari culture is a unique and ancient tradition in the local community across the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal. The Indra Jatra is an eight-day festival dedicated to Lord Indra, who is the Hindu god of rain. Moreover, the Indra Jatra is dedicated to the honor of deceased ancestors. The unique Newari rituals, vibrant dances, beautiful and ancient instruments, and the procession of the living goddess Kumari make the Indra Jatra exciting and wonderful. This Indra Jatra fascinates the local and international visitors. The local honored VIP pretender-level guest will be visiting during the Indra Jatra. Celebration of Indra Jatra will be in the late monsoon and the beginning of harvesting season in the early autumn.
The history of the Indra Jatra festival in Nepal began around the 10th century during the regime of King Gunakamadeva. In that time, King Gunakamadeva is believed to have started the Indra Jatra festival while establishing the city of Kathmandu. According to the legend, the history god Indra descended to the earth from heaven in search of a special flower for his mother but was captured by the local Newari people. Hence, to release the god Indra, his mother Dagin came to the earth for the release of Indra, promising prosperity and a good harvest of their crops. However, some Hindu texts mention that the god Indra’s mother, Aditi or Devaki could be the one the Hindu Newari scripts mention as Dangn. Hence, King Gunakamadeva started to celebrate Indra Jatra (Yenya Punhi) during his regime.
Highlights of Indra Jatra Festival in Kathmandu Nepal
- Procession of the living goddess of Kumari and receive the blessing from her.
- Ancient Lakhe dances with unique and beautiful instrumental music, which is also known as Majipa Lakhey.
- Raising the historic Linga (Yosin pole), which is a tall wooden erection
- Swet Bhairav is displayed in Hanuman Dhoka Palace at Bashantapur; the Swet Bhairav is the fierce look of Lord Shiva.
- Pulukisi Parade, which is a beautiful white elephant dance across the Basantapur Durbar Square.
- The Indra Jatra is also for remembering the departed. Light the oil lamps and perform rituals to honour their ancestors, which are also called Upaku Wanegu in Newari.
- Capture the beautiful moments with ancient rituals and music and enjoy participating in beautiful dance.
- Thousands of devotees would gather around the Kathmandu Durbar Square, performing Newari culture and experiencing the living goddess Kumari.
Living Goddess Kumari in Indra Jatra
The living goddess Kumari in the Indra Jatra festival of Newari culture in Nepal has a unique and ancient history. The Kumari Devi is the tradition of worshipping a chosen virgin as a manifestation of the divine energy of the female Shakti. It is believed that the goddess Taleju, or Durga, possesses the Kumari. The word "Kumari" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "princess." Kumari Devi has to be a virgin, and till the menstruation, she will be Kumari, and after that, there will be a chosen new Kumari. The festival is celebrated during the Kumari Jatra, which follows the Indra Jatra, the Newari ceremony. The contest of Kumari will be chosen from the Shakya of the Nepali Newari Hindu or Buddhist community. It is believed that the incarnation of Taleju, a manifestation of the goddess Durga, occurs when her first menstruation begins.
The present Kumari in Kumari Ghar as the Royal Kumari is Trishana Shakya, who was chosen in 2017. The Kumari won’t marry in her lifetime; after menstruation, she has the option to stay in the Basantapur Kumari house, or she can stay in her house. While selecting the Kumari, she needs to have a neck like a conch shell, a body like a banyan tree, eyelashes like a young cow, thighs like a deer, a chest like a lion, and a soft voice. Hence, the Newari local committee, which is called Guthi, will choose the perfect Kumari. The Kumari Devi tradition in Kathmandu has a long history of about 2300 years; however, the Indra Jatra was started about the 10th century, and the history of living Kumari began in the 17th century, according to the Newari texts.
Hence, worshipping and possessing the living goddess Kumari in Indra Jatra is a major attraction. Thus, in the Indra Jatra festival, Kumari Devi will be processed around Basantapur to make the Hindu god Indra, known as the rain god, and happy.
What Is Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal
The Indra Jatra is known as Yenya Punhi which is a vibrant and ancient Newari festival celebrated for eight days. Kumari Indra Jatra is celebrated mainly in Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel, and across the Newa community. Indra Jatra is dedicated to the lord Indra, who is the greatest Hindu god of rain. The festival falls at the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the autumn season. Indeed, the Indra Jatra will begin celebrating in September or October, depending on the Newari calendar, which is Nepal Sambat. Monsoon season is farming season, and autumn is harvesting season in Nepal, so Indra Jatra will give the local farmers a break from farming and excitement from harvesting their crops. That’s why Indra Jatra will be celebrated for eight days with joy and happiness. The Indra Jatra will be celebrated in the center of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
There will be thousands of dignitaries, with high-profile government officials and bureaucrats. During the Indra Jatra, worship is offered to Akash Bhairav, Mata Kali, the Living God Kumari, Devi Pyakhan, Majipa Lakhey, Swet Bhairab, Puli Kisi, Lord Indra, and other gods. Moreover, the major attraction of Indra Jatra is the living goddess Kumari moving around Basantapur and its surroundings.
History of Indra Jatra
Celebrating Indra Jatra in Basantapur has a long history of Newari culture. Indra Jatra has a history longer than 2,300 years; however, the date of Indra Jatra start celebrations back to the 10th century in Kathmandu. During the Malla regime of King Gunakamad in the 10th century, they historically started celebrating Indra Jatra. There is a belief that the god Indra came to the earth from heaven to get the beautiful flowers for his mother, Aditi; some Hindu texts mention the Dangin. Then the local Newar community kept the lord Indra in their house; after that, his mother, Aditi, came to the earth and gave them wishes for prosperity and good harvesting of their crops to release the lord, Indra. Here's how the Indra Jatra begins the celebration in the Newar culture.
However, the Kumari Indra Jatra started from the 17th century in Kathmandu. The living god Kumari tradition started in the 17th century in Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal. To date, the Indra Jatra is one of the biggest cultural festivals in Nepal. King Jaya Prakash Malla was the one who began the Kumari Jatra in Basantapur Durbar Square.
Newari Culture and Traditions
Newar is rich in ancient culture and traditions, which have various rituals, festivals, and ancient belief systems. Newar people, also known as the Newa community, are the indigenous ethnic group of Nepal. The Newar community has developed a division of labor and sophisticated urban civilization not found elsewhere in the Himalayan region. The Gufa Newari culture, Janku culture, Ihi Newari culture, Bel Bibaha in Newari culture, and Newari food culture are popular Newari cultures in Nepal and India. The Newari cuisine Bhoj, in their functions and parties, would be a variety of food.
Gufa Newari culture
The Gufa Newari culture is that the female will go to the dark room for 12 days before her marriage, where she avoids sunlight, male contact, and mirrors. In her first period, the Newari Gufa culture will occur. During this puberty rite, the Newar girl will eat only vegetarian food, avoid salt, and avoid taking baths.
Janku Newari culture
The Janku Newari culture is that of celebrating the longevity of their life, the specific ages like 77, 82, 88, 99, and 105, with each ceremony carrying a unique, distinct name. Jaku culture is also a symbol of divinity and a new lease on life.
Ihi Newari culture, or Ehee:
The Ihi Newari culture is a sacred Newar cultural ritual where pre-adult girls symbolically marry Lord Bishnu, represented by a golden statue or wood, apple, bel, or fruit. The Ihi culture believes in protecting women from the widow even if their husband dies early. There is also Mitini, who is the best girl’s friend. The Ihi culture also known as Bel Bibaha in Nepali, is a symbolic marriage with Lord Bishnu and Kumar, as in wood, Bel, or fruit.
Newari food culture:
The Newari food culture will be vibrant, culturally significant, and culinary, blending rich flavors and the local wine with ancient recipes. There will be a variety of food options in the Newari culture, including veggies, varieties of meat items, beaten rice, local wine (Aaila), whiskey, and many other items. Mostly during all kinds of traditions and rituals, there will be food parties like food festivals. The internal house rituals, local festivals, and Guthi gatherings will have a variety of culinary foods.
Jatra and Guthi in Newari Culture
Many Jatra and Ghuthi offer religious significance, celebrated in the Neawari culture in Nepal. The Jatra is a vibrant festival in the Newar community, which is characterized by processions, religious rituals, and traditional practices. Using the mask for the lake is called Jatra. About the Guthi:It is a social welfare community trust in the Newari culture and tradition. There will be a donation of the properties and inherited wealth, which Guthis manages and uses for the Newari festival and rituals by their traditional Newar leaders. However, the Newari culture and traditions are rich in the entire community of Nepal. Below are some popular Jatra and Ghuti in the Newari culture.
Popular Newari and Jatra Festivals
- Sakimana Punhi festival
- Indra Jatra or Yenya Punhi
- Yomari Puni Jatra
- Bisket Jatra festival (Biska Jatra)
- Gai Jatra festival (festival of the cow)
- Rato Machhindranath Jatra
- Bhoto Jatra Newari culture
- Shree Panchami Jatra
- Ghode Jatra Festival
- Gathan Mugah Jatra festival
Popular Newari Guthi in Nepal
- Diwali Guthi (for ancient worship)
- Nasa Guthi for art and cultures
- Si Guthi for death ceremonies and rituals
- Raj Ghuthi (state-run workfare Guthi)
When is Indra Jatra Celebrating
The Indra Jatra is celebrated on the Bhadra Sukla Duwadashi, the 12th day of the bright fortnight, and the final day of the Jatra Ashbin Krishna Chaturdashi, which will be 14 days of the dark fortnight. During September or October, which will be in the autumn season. The Indra Jatra will be at the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvesting time. It is believed that after Indra Jatra, it will stop raining in the region. The rain god Indra will give rain in Indra Jatra and stop for the crop harvesting season. After the Indra Jatra, there will be the most famous festival, Dashain, which will be celebrated all over Nepal. While Indra Jatra is celebrated across the Newar community, they will enjoy, be happier, and wish for the spread of happiness as the Happy Yenya Punhi, wishing happiness and prosperity to their relatives.
Why Visit Nepal During Indra Jatra Newari Culture
- Witnessing the unique living goddess tradition in Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Explore the unique and colourful Lakhye dance, beautiful music, and cultural rituals.
- Experience the living God Kumari and get worshiping.
- You will be exploring the beautiful artwork, culture, and traditions of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Immerse yourself in the local Newari culture and Buddhist tradition and experience the beautiful festive moments.
- Have delicious Newari food, ancient food culture, and local whiskey.
- Reasonable Nepal travel cost for exploration of Indra Jatra Newari Culture
Conclusion of Indra Jatra Yenya Punhi
The Indra Jatra is a traditional Newari Nepalese festival celebrated in the month of September or October in Basantapur, Kathmandu. Indra Jatra is also known as Yenya Punhi in the Newari language. The biggest street festival in Nepal, Indra Jatra, is one of the beautiful Newari religious festivals. Eight days long, Yenya Punhi, "Ye" means the old Newari name of Kathmandu, "Ya" means celebration, and "Punhi" means full moon, so together it becomes Yenya Punhi. During the Indra Jatra in Basantapur, there will be a huge, crowded rally with the ancient Newari instruments and the Lakhey dance. There will be a chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari. Travelers will be exploring the beautiful Newari cultures, the gods Kali and Sweta Bhairab, and the Indra Jatra itself, the representation of the god Indra.
Moreover, there will be the raising of the Yosin Pole as a symbol of male erection. There will be locals, foreigners, and high-level government officials for the Indra Jatra celebration. During the Kumari Darson in Indra Jatra, there is a belief that devotees will have farming prosperity, protection from evils, good fortune, spiritual connections, and honoring of the ancestors. Travelers can have yoga sessions in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Yoga trips and meditation in the morning are good for spiritual health. Thus, the Indra Jatra is one of the beautiful Newari festivals in Nepal, and visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square would also give a wonderful exploration in Kathmandu.
FAQs of Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal
Why is Indra Jatra celebrated in Nepal?
Indra Jatra (Yenya Punhi) is celebrated in Nepal to honor Lord Indra, the god of rain, wishing to have a good harvest, and also to commemorate the deceased ancestors by displaying butter lamps with a ritual procession. During the Indra Jatra, there will be worship of God Indra, the living goddess Kumari, Swet Bhairav, and the wooden pole Linga as a symbol of male erection. During the Jatra, we say "Happy Yenya Punhi" to our relatives and friends, wishing for prosperity and good health.
Why do we celebrate Indra Jatra?
We celebrate the Indra Jatra, wishing for prosperity, good health, protection from evil, and good harvesting of our crops. We thank Goddess Indra for timely rain and the God of heaven. Moreover, we celebrate the Indra Jatra for the deceased through a procession to our ancestors by lighting the butter lamps.
Who is Hindu God Indra?
The Hindu God Indra is greatest king of the Heaven and goddess Indra is known as the rain god, who will provide timely rainfall in earth. The Goddess Indra is the god of weather, welfare, and also, he is a warrior the Vajra (thunderbolt) is his symbolic divine power.
Can I see the Living Goddess Kumari live during the Indra Jatra?
Yes, you can see the living goddess Kumari live during the Indra Jatra. Kumari will be charioting the procession around the Basantapur Durbar Square. With the huge procession, the living goddess of Kumari will be showing, and you can get the blessings from her.
How will be selecting the new Kumari in Indra Jatra?
The selection process of Kumari during Indra Jatra will be a meticulous process by the ancient, traditional, and strict criteria involving religious councils and rituals. The Kumari selection will happen when the previous Kumari is dethroned, typically upon reaching puberty. The interested eligible candidates will be sought from the Newar Shakya Buddhist caste of silversmiths. A council of five senior Buddhist Vajracharya priests, the chief royal priest, the Talegu priest, and the royal astrologer oversees the screening. Kumari must be and needs to have a neck like a conch shell, a body like a banyan tree, eyelashes like a young cow, thighs like a deer, a chest like a beautiful lion, and a soft voice like music. So, with all these qualities before monthly menstruation, aged, good-looking candidates can be selected by the Newari Guthi councils and other senior traditional members.
Who is the current Kumari?
The current royal Kumari is Ms. Trishna Skahya, who was selected in 2017. Till now, she has been the living goddess Kumari in Basantapur Kumari Ghar (house) in Kathmandu. Indeed, with the local authority approval, everyone can meet the Kumari in the Basantapur Kumari Ghar.
Doses Kumari can do marriage in her life?
Once selected as God Kumari, she can’t marry in her entire life according to the Newari culture and traditions. Indeed, the Kumari are like virgin young girls, which means Kumari won’t have contact with boys and must be of no blood shade and pure with the Newari rituals and traditions.
What will be the age of Kumari?
The age of a Kumari is not mentioned specifically, but generally it will be between 3 and 15 years. The idea is that Kumari must be before the puberty (menstruation) stage. Kumari must be well fit, without serious illness and significant blood loss, well-bodied, and sweet-voiced. Hence, the age of Kumari will be between 3 years and 15 years before the puberty stage.
What is the Linga in Indra Jatra in the Newari culture?
The Lunga in Indra Jatra is a wooden pole, which will be about 36 feet, that will be raised in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The single tree was purified with the rituals and brought to Kathmandu, which symbolizes the heavenly power of God Indra. Indeed, the Linga symbolically representation of the male erection and the goddess Indra.
How long does Indra Jatra last?
The Indra Jatra will be for 8 days in Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the late monsoon and beginning of autumn, in the month of late September or early October, according to the lunar calendar and moon cycle, the Jatra date will be finalized. Simply, Indra is a god of rain and the king of the entire heaven.
