On the third day of Indra Jatra, a major festival celebrated by the Newa community in Kathmandu, liquor flows from the mouth of the Shwet Bhairav idol at Basantapur Durbar Square as part of a centuries-old ritual.

On Saturday evening, large crowds gathered to drink the liquor, regarded as a sacred offering. Devotees believe consuming it brings good health and the blessings of Shwet Bhairav.

The eight-day event, observed mainly in Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel and Dolakha, began on Thursday with the raising of a sacred wooden pole, or lingo, at Basantapur Durbar Square.

Indra is worshipped as 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 Newa community, observed by both Hindu and Buddhist followers.

Here are some photos taken by the Post’s photojournalist Suryams Upreti.