The famous Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu began on Thursday. The traditional eight-day celebration started at Basantapur Durbar Square after a ceremonial pole was erected.

Every year, on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Nepali month of Bhadra, the pole with a flag is raised following a ritual worship of Indra.

This year, the pole was set up at 10:31am. During the festival, deities associated with Indra are displayed publicly.

The Manandhar community traditionally lifts a pole brought from Chittapol forest in Bhaktapur. The ceremony includes traditional music, a parade of priests, and the firing of ceremonial cannons.

Indra is considered the god of rain. The festival originates from the Hanumandhoka area and is celebrated with music, dance, and chariot processions over eight days. It is a shared festival of the Newar community, observed by both Hindu and Buddhist followers.

Here are some photos of celebrations taken by the Post’s photojournalist Dipen Shrestha.