Devi Nach Performed on First Day of Yenya Festival

Kathmandu. On the occasion of the formal start of Yenya (Indra Jatra), a famous cultural festival of the Kathmandu Valley, Devi Nach (Goddess Dance) was performed in Basantapur at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. The traditional Newari Devi Nach was presented during the raising of the 36-hand long wooden pole (Yosin) on the morning of the first day of Indra Jatra, Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi. Participating artists wore masks of various deities and demons. The energetic rhythm of Dhimay and Bhusya music filled the air as local and foreign tourists gathered to watch the dance. This historic dance, considered the main attraction of the festival, was performed in the courtyard of the Shiva-Parvati temple in Basantapur. The atmosphere of Indra Jatra has already increased the crowd of the general public in Hanumandhoka and Maru Tole areas a day before the festival begins. Photo: Suryams Upreti/Nepal Photo Library