Kathmandu. The Indra Jatra festival is being celebrated today by worshiping Devraj Indra, the god of rain and good harvest. This festival, which falls on the day of Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi every year, is celebrated in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, and other places. On this occasion, the government has declared a public holiday in Kathmandu today. Share market, banks, financial institutions and insurance companies will be closed today.
The festival begins with the erection of a linga with Indra flag in front of Hanuman Dhoka in a ritual on the day of Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi.
The Head-of-the-State observes the chariot processions of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav at the Gaddi sitting at Hanuman Dhoka.
Bhakkunach, Mahakali Dance, Lakhenach, Dashavatar and Pulukisi dance symbolizing the elephant Airavata, the vehicle of Devraj Indra, are performed throughout the procession.
On the day of Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi, Anantanath (Lord Vishnu) is also worshipped. Therefore, this day is also called Ananta Chaturdashi. It is believed that tying the eternal mantra on a pure thread today brings auspiciousness throughout the year.
