How Indra Jatra came to be one of Kathmandu's most celebrated festivals

As festivities have been halted this year because of the pandemic, the Post takes a look at the history of the Newa festival and the many legends that surround it.

For the Newa people of Kathmandu, Yenya, also known as Indra Jatra, is their biggest festival. In the eight days the festival is observed, streets and temples in the heart of old Kathmandu are lined with samaya bajis , which are later devoured by the locals. Masked dances, representing various deities and demons, are performed in the vicinity of old Newa settlements, which also witness three chariots—of Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesh—parading on the streets, with people pulling the chariots with much excitement and fervour.