Indra Jatra being celebrated today

Kathmandu: Indra Jatra, the festival of rain and good harvest, is being observed with fanfare today.

The festival that falls on Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi is marked in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, and other districts.

The eight-day festival is dedicated to Lord Indra – the god of rain. Various ceremonies and processions take place during the festival and it concludes with a series of ceremonies, including Lakhe Naach.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers on the occasion of the Indrajatra festival today. He wished peace, prosperity and happiness.

During the festival, the God of rains and good harvest, Indra, and the living Goddess Kumari are worshipped. Similarly, the chariot procession of Lord Ganesh and Bhairav is held.

We pay obeisance to God Indra for the good harvest, which reflects human relations with nature, President Paudel reminded, adding that such native festival helps protect ancient civilization.

The festival is celebrated especially in the districts of Kathmandu Valley, and adjoining Kavrepalanchowk and Dolakha districts.

“I believe the festival helps foster national unity, harmony and goodwill among the people from diverse cultures, languages and regions,” the President stated in the message of best wishes.

He further wished the festival inspired all to work for social justice and economic prosperity with balanced and sustainable use of natural resources.