Indra Jātrā, also known as Yenyā (
Nepal Bhasa
Newar (), or Newari and known officially in Nepal as Nepal Bhasa, is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Newar people, the indigenous inhabitants of Nepal Mandala, which consists of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions in Nepa ...
: येँयाः), is the biggest religious street festival in
Kathmandu
, pushpin_map = Nepal Bagmati Province#Nepal#Asia
, coordinates =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name =
, subdivision_type1 = Province
, subdivision_name1 = Bagmati Prov ...
,
Nepal
Nepal (; ne, :ne:नेपाल, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल ), is a landlocked country in S ...
. The celebrations consist of two events, Indra Jātrā and Kumāri Jātrā. Indra Jātrā is marked by masked dances of deities and demons, displays of sacred images and tableaus in honor of the deity
Indra, the king of heaven.
Kumāri Jātrā is the chariot procession of the living goddess
Kumari.
Family members deceased in the past year are also remembered during the festival. The main venue of the festivities is
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square (''Basantapur Durbar Kshetra'') is located in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESC ...
. The celebrations last for eight days from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight of
Yanlā (ञला), the eleventh month in the lunar
Nepal Era
Nepal Sambat, also spelled as Nepala Sambata, (Nepal Bhasa: , Nepali: ) is the lunisolar calendar used by the Newari people of Nepal. The Calendar era began on 20 October 879 AD, with 1142 in Nepal Sambat corresponding to the year 2021–2022 ...
calendar.
Indra Jatra was started by King
Gunakamadeva Gunakamadeva was a Lichhavi ruler who founded the city of Kathmandu in 723 CE. He is also credited to have started Yenya and Lakhey Jatra. He was known for his tantric abilities which was demonstrated by him entering Shantipur in Swayambhunath. Du ...
- (गुणकामदेव) to commemorate the founding of the Kathmandu city in the 10th century.
Kumari Jatra began in the mid-18th century. The celebrations are held according to the
lunar calendar
A lunar calendar is a calendar based on the monthly cycles of the Moon's phases ( synodic months, lunations), in contrast to solar calendars, whose annual cycles are based only directly on the solar year. The most commonly used calendar, t ...
, so the dates are changeable.
Opening ceremony
![Yosin raising](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Yosin_raising.jpg)
The festival starts with Yosin Thanegu (योसिं थनेगु), the erection of Yosin or Linga, a pole from which the banner of Indra is unfurled, at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The pole, a tree shorn of its branches and stripped of its bark, is obtained from a forest near
Nālā, a small town 29 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is dragged in stages to Durbar Square by men pulling on ropes.
Another event on the first day is Upāku Wanegu (उपाकु वनेगु) when participants visit shrines holding lighted incense to honor deceased family members. They also place small butter lamps on the way. Some sing hymns as they make the tour. The circuitous route winds along the periphery of the historic part of the city. The procession starts at around 4 pm.
Processions
Kumari Jatra
Kumari Jatra, which means the chariot festival of Kumari, coincides with Indra Jatra. It was started in 1756 AD during the reign of
Jaya Prakash Malla
Jaya Prakash Malla ( ne, जयप्रकाश मल्ल) (died 1768) was the last king of Yen (यें) or Kantipur (कान्तिपुर) which corresponds to present-day Kathmandu. He ruled from 1736 to 1746, and then from 1750 ...
.
During this festival, three chariots carrying human representations of the deities
Ganesh
Ganesha ( sa, गणेश, ), also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon and is the Supreme God in Ganapatya sect. His image is found throughout India. Hindu ...
,
Bhairava
Bhairava (Sanskrit: भैरव ) or Kala Bhairava is a Shaivite and Vajrayāna deity worshiped by Hindus and Buddhists. In Shaivism, he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of Shiva associated with annihilation. In Trika system ''Bhaira ...
and
Kumari accompanied by musical bands are pulled along the festival route through Kathmandu on three days. The procession starts at around 3 pm.
On the first day of Kumari Jatra known as Kwaneyā (क्वनेया:), the chariots are pulled through the southern part of town. The second day is the full moon day known as Yenya Punhi (येँयाः पुन्हि). During the procession known as Thaneyā (थनेया:), the chariots are drawn through the northern part till Asan. And on the third day Nānichāyā (नानिचाया:), the procession passes through the central section at Kilāgal. Since 2012, the chariot of Kumari has been pulled by an all women's team on the third day of the chariot festival.
* Route on first day of chariot festival, Kwaneyā (downtown procession): Basantapur,
Maru, Chikanmugal, Jaisidewal, Lagan, Brahma Marga, Wonde, Hyumata, Kohity, Bhimsensthan, Maru, Basantapur.
* Route on second day of chariot festival, Thaneyā (uptown procession): Basantapur, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Tengal, Nhyokha, Nhaikan Tol,
Asan
Asan () is a city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It borders the Seoul Capital Area to the north. Asan has a population of approximately 300,000.
Asan is known for its many hot springs and is a city of spas.
Asan has grown into th ...
, Kel Tol,
Indra Chok, Makhan, Basantapur.
* Route on third day of chariot festival, Nānichāyā (midtown procession): Basantapur, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Kilagal, Bhedasing, Indra Chok, Makhan, Basantapur.
Mata Biye
Mata Biye (मत बिये) means to offer butter lamps. On the day of Kwaneyā, the first day of the chariot festival,
Newars honor family members deceased during the past year by offering small butter lamps along the processional route. They also present butter lamps to relatives and friends on the way as a mark of respect. The procession starts at around 6 pm.
* Route: Maru, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Tengal, Nhyokha, Nhaikan Tol, Asan, Kel Tol, Indra Chok, Makhan, Hanuman Dhoka, Maru, Chikanmugal, Jaisidewal, Lagan, Hyumata, Bhimsensthan, Maru.
* Day: On the day of Kwaneyā.
Dagin
The procession of the goddess Dāgin (दागिं) (alternative name: Dāgim) re-enacts Indra mother's going around town in search of her son. The procession consists of a man wearing a mask accompanied by a musical band. It starts at around 8 pm when the chariot of Kumari returns to Maru after journeying around the southern part of town. Dagin is followed by many people who has lost their family member in that specific year.
The procession begins from an alley at the south-western corner of Maru square and passes by the western side of
Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap (Sanskrit: काष्ठमण्डप, Nepal Bhasa:मरु सत: ''Maru Satta:''; literally "Wood-Covered Shelter") was a three-storied public shelter that included a shrine consecrated to Gorakshanath situated at Maru, Ka ...
. The participants follow the festival route north to Asan and then back to Durbar Square. The procession continues to the southern end of town before returning to Maru.
* Route: Maru, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Tengal, Nhyokha, Nhaikan Tol, Asan, Kel Tol, Indra Chok, Makhan, Hanuman Dhoka, Maru, Chikanmugal, Jaisidewal, Lagan, Hyumata, Bhimsensthan, Maru.
* Day: On the day of Kwaneyā.
Bau Mata
Bau Mata (बौँ मत) consists of a long representation of a holy snake made of reeds on which a row of oil lamps are placed. The effigy is suspended from poles carried on the shoulders and taken along the festival route. The procession starts from the southern side of Kasthamandap at Maru. When the Dagin procession returns from the upper part of town and reaches Maru, that is the cue for the Bau Mata procession to set off. It starts at around 9 pm and is organized by the Manandhar caste group.
* Route: Maru, Pyaphal, Yatkha, Nyata, Tengal, Nhyokha, Nhaikan Tol, Asan, Kel Tol, Indra Chok, Makhan, Hanuman Dhoka, Maru, Chikanmugal, Jaisidewal, Lagan, Hyumata, Bhimsensthan, Maru.
* Day: On the day of Kwaneyā.
Exhibitions
Bhairava
Masks of
Bhairava
Bhairava (Sanskrit: भैरव ) or Kala Bhairava is a Shaivite and Vajrayāna deity worshiped by Hindus and Buddhists. In Shaivism, he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of Shiva associated with annihilation. In Trika system ''Bhaira ...
are displayed at various places in Kathmandu throughout the eight days of the festival. Bhairava is the terrifying aspect of
Shiva
Shiva (; sa, शिव, lit=The Auspicious One, Śiva ), also known as Mahadeva (; ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐ, or Hara, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hindu ...
. The largest ones are of Sweta Bhairava at Durbar Square, and of Akash Bhairava at
Indra Chok. A pipe sticking out of the mouth of Sweta Bhairava dispenses alcohol and rice beer on different days. An image of Bākā Bhairava is exhibited at Wotu, next to Indra Chok.
The mask of Aakash Bhairava is related to the
Mahabharata
The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; sa, महाभारतम्, ', ) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India in Hinduism, the other being the ''Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kuruk ...
. Some believe it to be the head of the first Kirat King
Yalambar
Yalamber or Yalung, Yalambar, Yalamwar, Yalamver ( Nepali: यलम्बर) was a Kirat warrior and first King of Kirata Kingdom in Nepal. He established Kirata Kingdom in 800 B.C.Kirat Yoyakhha His capital was Yalakhom, present day Kath ...
. Every night, different groups gather and sing hymns at Indra Chowk.
Indraraj Dyah
Images of Indraraj Dyah with his outstretched hands bound with rope are exhibited on a tall platform at
Maru near Durbar Square and at
Indra Chok, Kathmandu
Indra Chowk ( ne, इन्द्रचोक) or Wongha: is one of the ceremonial and market squares on the artery passing through the historic section of Kathmandu, Nepal. The intersection of Indra Chowk, along with Maru, Kathmandu Durbar Squ ...
.
Dasavatar
A tableau is known as
Dasavatar
The Dashavatara ( sa, दशावतार, ) are the ten primary avatars of Vishnu, a principal Hindu god. Vishnu is said to descend in the form of an avatar to restore cosmic order. The word ''Dashavatara'' derives from , meaning "ten", an ...
or the 10 incarnations of
Vishnu
Vishnu ( ; , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism.
Vishnu is known as "The Preserver" withi ...
is shown on the temple steps in front of Kumari House every night.
Masked dances
Pulu Kisi (elephant) dance
This is performed by the residents of Kilagal tole. Pulu Kisi is believed to be the carrier of Indra himself. Pulu Kisi goes through the streets of the ancient city Kathmandu in search for his imprisoned master. People view the masked creature with the roar of excitement and laughter. From time to time It does naughty and mischievous things by running through the street knocking anyone that comes in its path and swinging its tail in an amazing manner.Like other dancers, he also has a team of a musical band and a torch carrier in front.
Majipā Lākhey
The demon dance of Majipā Lākhey is performed on the streets and market squares. The
Majipa Lakhey
Majipa Lakhey (Nepal Bhasa: मजिपा लाखे, ) is a special lakhey in Nepalese folklore. He is also known as the Peaceful Bhairava (शान्त भैरव). The dance of this Lakhey takes place only in the week of the full moo ...
dancer and his retinue of musicians move with much agility .He alongside Pulukisi helps in crowd control before chariot procession.
through the streets and crowds spreading the festive mood.
Sawa Bhakku
The Sawa Bhakku dance group from Halchok, at the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, makes its rounds along the festival route, stopping at major street squares to perform and receive offerings from devotees. The dancers consist of Bhairava (in blue) holding a sword and his two attendants (in red). The ensemble is also known informally as Dhin Nāli Sintān after the sound of their music.
thumb
Devi Pyakhan
Devi Pyakhan from Kilagal, Kathmandu is performed at Kilagal, Hanuman Dhoka, Jaisidewal, Bangemuda, Indrachowk, Kilagal . Dancers wearing masks of various gods & goddesses and the name of them Bhairav, Kumari, Chandi, Daitya, Kawan, Beta, & Khya. As per historical themes The Devi Pyakhan (Devi nach was born the time of Gunakar raj.
Māhākāli Pyakhan
Māhākāli Pyakhan from
Bhaktapur
, motto = ne, पुर्खले सिर्जेको सम्पत्ती, हाम्रो कला र संस्कृति , lit=Creation of our ancestors, our heritage and culture
, image_map ...
performs at Durbar Square and major street squares around Kathmandu. Khyāh Pyākhan (ख्याः प्याखं) features dancers dressed in a costume representing the
Khyah, a fat, hairy ape-like creature. Their dance is marked by antics and a lot of tumbling.
In Basantapur
Indra Jatra is celebrated in
Basantapur by erecting poles representing Indra at various localities around the city. The poles are known as Yambodyah. Masked dances and Pulu Kisi dance are also performed.
In Terai
Indra Jatra is also observed in some districts of Terai (Nepal and Indian Northern Bihar) as Indra Puja according to the local traditions. Rituals are different than in the Kathmandu Valley but the festival is observed around the same time indicating a common origin of the festival, probably during the Lichhavi period.
Mythology
According to legend,
Indra (Hindu god-king of heaven), disguised as a farmer, descended to earth in search of ''parijat'' (
Night jasmine), a white flower his mother Basundhara needed to perform a ritual. As he was plucking the flowers at Maruhiti, a sunken water spout at
Maru, the people caught and bound him like a common thief. He was then put on display in the town square of Maru in Kathmandu. (In a reenactment of this event, an image of Indra with his hands bound is put on display at Maru and other places during the festival.)
His mother, worried about his extended absence, came to Kathmandu and wandered around looking for him. (This event is commemorated by the procession of Dagin (दागिं) through the city. Pulu Kisi (alternate name Tānā Kisi), a wicker representation of an elephant, also runs around town reenacting Indra's elephant searching frantically for its master.)
When the city folk realized they had captured Indra himself, they were appalled and immediately released him. Out of appreciation for his release, his mother promised to provide enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a rich crop. It is said that Kathmandu starts to experience foggy mornings from this festival onwards because of this boon.
[Burbank, Jon (2002). ''Cultures of the World: Nepal.'' Marshall Cavendish. . Page 115.]
Closing ceremony
On the last day, the yosin pole erected at Durbar Square is taken down in a ceremony known as Yosin Kwathalegu (योसिं क्वथलेगु). It marks the end of the festivities.
Open air theater
Yenya is also the season of open air theatre productions. Performances depicting social themes, satire and comedy are held on dance platforms or makeshift stages at market squares all over the
Kathmandu Valley on the sidelines of the sacred festival. The plays, known as Dabu Pyākhan (दबू प्याखं), have a history going back centuries.
Gallery
File:Indra statue.jpg, Statue of Indra with his hands bound at Maru
File:Aakash bhairav.jpg, Mask of Akash Bhairava at Indra Chok
File:Kumari goddess.jpg, Living goddess Kumari
File:Bhairava on chariot.jpg, Child representing Bhairava (Bhelu)
File:Pulukisi.jpg, Chariot of Kumari
Five gurjus.jpg, Buddhist priests during chariot procession
File:Lakhe dancer.jpg, Majipa Lakhe dancer
File:Sawah bhakku.jpg, Sawa Bhakku
File:pulukishi.jpg, Pulu Kisi (elephant) dance
File:Bau mata.jpg, Bau Mata
File:Dabu pyakhan pamphlet.jpg, 1960s pamphlet advertising street play
File:Shwet Bhairav (Haatha).jpg, Haatha Daya: Swetha Bhairav
See also
*
Bhairab Naach
''Bhairab Pyankhan''. "Bhairava's Dance" is an ancient masked dance performed by Newar people, Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal as part of the Indra Jatra festival and named after Bhairab Bhairava, an aspect of Shiva.
History
It w ...
*
Jatra (Nepal)
Jatra (Nepal Bhasa: 𑐖𑐵𑐟𑑂𑐬𑐵, जात्रा) refers to the types of Newa Festivals involving street festival or carnival.Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya - Page 357 Bradley Mayhew, Joe Bindloss - 2009 "The people o ...
References
{{reflist
Newar
Hindu festivals in Nepal
Hindu festivals
Nepalese culture
Masked dances
Ritual dances
Sacred dance
Buddhist festivals in Nepal
September observances
October observances
Observances set by the Vikram Samvat calendar
Masquerade ceremonies in Asia