collection
Kathmandu Valley Festival CalendarTwelve festivals that own the valley's streets, in calendar order — chariots, lamps, colors, and processions, with confirmed dates for the coming year.
12 stops
Editorial · reetu.fyifestivals · culture
FestivalKathmandu
Indra Jatra (Yenya)
Kathmandu's grandest jatra — chariots, masked Lakhey dances, and the Kumari's public appearance each September.
About this place
FestivalKathmandu
Summary
Indra Jatra (Yenya) is Kathmandu's biggest street festival: towering chariots carrying the living goddess Kumari and the deities Ganesh and Bhairab are pulled through Basantapur Durbar Square by hauling ropes, while masked Lakhey dancers, drum troupes, and displays of the sacred Indra's pole (yoṣin) fill the square. It opens with the raising of the lingam pole at Hanuman Dhoka and runs for eight days each September.
Skip if
Skip if dense crowds are overwhelming — Basantapur is packed shoulder-to-shoulder on the main night.
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