Indra Jatra, known as the biggest festival of the Kathmandu Valley, formally began on Tuesday with the erection of a wooden ceremonial pole (lingo) and the fluttering of a flag named after the Hindu God Indra at Hanumandhoka.

The festival dedicated to Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven, is celebrated for eight days. During the celebrations, Lakhe dances are performed on the streets of Kathmandu. The dance is one of the most popular dances of Nepal with performers wearing Lakhe costume and masks.

Meanwhile, the lingo that was brought to Hanumandhoka from a jungle in Bhaktapur has been raised with the help from Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and locals. The lingo-erection procession was marked with fanfare and shots of gunfire.

Two injured in attempt to raise Indra Jatra pole

Two persons including a security personnel were injured when a wooden pole known as 'Lingo' brought to Hanumandhoka to mark Indra Jatra festival fell over them on Tuesday. 

The incident happened while the Lingo was being erected as part of the festival which is observed on Friday.

Head Constable of Nepal Army Bhum Bahadur Gurung, who got his leg fractured in the incident, is receiving treatment at Nepal Army Hospital in Chauni while another injured Pushpa Lama has been admitted to Bir Hospital, police said. 

It is believed that the incident took place for failure to begin the lingo-erecting procession on the auspicious hour today morning.

Meanwhile, efforts were underway to raise the lingo with the participation of security personnel and people including locals. 

Photos by Sanjog Manandhar